The Order of the Star of Romania is Romania's highest civil Order and second highest State decoration after the Order of Michael the Brave. It is the oldest Order of Romania. It is awarded by the President of Romania, and has six grades, from lowest to the highest: Knight, Officer, Commander, Grand Officer, Grand Cross, and Grand Cross with Collar.

The Order of Carol I was the highest ranking of the Romanian honours of the Kingdom of Romania until the founding of the Order of Michael the Brave in 1916 by King Ferdinand I of Romania. It was instituted on 10 May 1906 by King Carol I to celebrate the Ruby Jubilee of 40 years of his reign.