Star: Silver Maltese cross of eight points with silver knobs on the points, between the arms are four gold fleur-de-lis, centre on an oval gilt plaque an enamel representation of the Virgin in a white tunic with blue mantle interspersed with gold stars. Upper half of the plaque edged in silver and blue enamel, below a white enamel band edged blue and gold, the words "VIRTUTI ET MERITO" on either side "III" (for Charles III) within a green enamelled laurel wreath.