History

The Cross of Maria Isabel Luisa (Cruz de la Reina Maria Isabel Luisa) was established by King Fernando VII/ Ferdinand VII on June 19, 1833. It was founded in commemoration of the ceremony at which Princess Maria Isabel Luisa, future Queen Isabel II/Isabella II, was formally declared to be the heiress of the Spanish throne.

It was awarded to military personnel that belonged to any of the branches of the Spanish Army, in recognition of meritorious services either in wartime or time of peace.

At the beginning it had a single class, the Silver Cross, to reward all the troops. In 1839, the Enameled Cross was added for recipients who were promoted to officer status.

The Cross was annulled on December 9, 1868 and it was replaced by the Order of Military Merit.