History

The Medal for Charitable Assistance was established by Royal Decree in 1822. It is awarded in recognition of noble, brave, and philanthropic actions.

The Medal is classified into two types based on changes in the awarding statutes. Type I medals were awarded in multiple sizes and compositions, each associated with a different grade. Type II medals have uniform sizes.

There are multiple versions of the Type II Medal that differ in engraving and inscription. The first version features an obverse inscription that translates to “William II of Nassau, King of Belgium, Grand Duke of Luxembourg,” and the second version features an obverse inscription that translates to “William III, King of the Netherlands, Grand Duke of Luxembourg.” The third version features an obverse inscription that translates to “William III, King of the Netherlands, Grand Duke of Luxembourg,” and a reverse inscription that translates to “For Charitable Assistance.” The fourth version features the same obverse and reverse inscriptions as the third version. The fifth and sixth versions feature an obverse inscription that translates to “Wilhelmina, Queen of the Netherlands,” and a reverse inscription that is identical to the third and fourth versions. The first five versions were all issued non-wearable.

The seventh version differs from the others in design. It features an obverse inscription that translates to “For Charitable Assistance,” and a reverse inscription that translates to “From the Queen, To [recipient name].” During the Second World War, these medals were manufactured in London in a reduced size. In 2013, the reverse inscription was altered to read “From the King, To [recipient name].”

The Bronze Medal was added in 1841. There may be additional versions that vary in size.