Applying for a ribbon, this is how it works!

You know a family member, acquaintance, neighbor, colleague, or someone in your community who wholeheartedly does a lot of good for society. More than you would normally expect from someone. Someone who, for example, spends all their free time on administrative work or volunteer work, someone who people can always count on for help. Or someone who has achieved something extraordinary. In short, someone about whom you think: 'they really deserve a royal honor'. You can be the one to set that in motion. How do you go about it? We are happy to explain.

Good to know

  • A royal honor or "ribbon" is a valuable recognition of someone's personal commitment to society. Anyone can apply for such a ribbon for someone else. You cannot apply for it for yourself.
  • The guideline for a royal honor is that someone must have worked selflessly for society for at least 15 consecutive years. You apply for a royal honor in the municipality where the person you wish to nominate lives.
  • Before submitting an application, try to discreetly find out whether the person who deserves the honor would accept it. But be careful: do not tell anyone that you are going to apply for an honor. This must remain a secret until the moment of presentation. 

Step 1 - Contact the municipality

Please contact the municipality by calling 0543 49 33 33. Ask to speak to the Cabinet Affairs officer, as they are responsible for processing requests for royal honours. This officer will usually invite you to the town hall for an interview. You can then explain in detail why you think someone deserves a royal decoration. If it is estimated that the merits are special enough for a royal decoration, you will receive information about the next steps in your application and what you need to do. We have already mentioned this briefly in steps 2 and 3.

Step2 - You are seeking assistance with your application

When submitting an application, it is important that you have a clear picture of all of the person's achievements. You will also need support from other people who agree that the person you are nominating deserves a royal honor. You will need at least one letter of support for all special achievements. You should approach the contact persons confidentially to ask if they would be willing to support your application and explain what information you need.

Step 3 - Contact the municipality

Once you have collected all the completed letters of support, fill in the application form online. Your application will then be processed by the Cabinet Affairs officer. The mayor, the King's Commissioner, and the Chapter for Civil Orders will write a recommendation for your application. The minister will make the final decision on whether to award a ribbon. He may also reject the application. All in all, it may take a few months before the mayor receives notification and you then hear whether your family member, neighbor, acquaintance, or colleague will receive a decoration. 

Someone can receive a ribbon at two different times

  • The Lintjesregen, on the working day before King's Day. You can submit an application before June 1, 2026. This is for the Lintjesregen of 2027. You can no longer submit applications for this year's Lintjesregen.
  • Special occasion, an award ceremony at a different time. This is only possible if there is a direct link between the achievements and a special day. For example, an anniversary or the end of a board position. You must submit your application at least 6 months in advance.

Do you have any questions about a royal honor for a resident of the municipality of Aalten? Call 0543 49 33 33 and ask for the Cabinet Affairs officer. She will be happy to help you.