October 2, 2025
Author: Sandro Baricevic
Sandro Baricevic, an international expert in Orders of Chivalry and awarding systems; Commissioner of the International Commission for Orders of Chivalry (ICOC) has published an article with the title “105 Years of the Enduring Legacy of the Order of Vitéz: A Distinction Beyond Chivalry” The article is available at:
https://theinvestiture.substack.com/p/105-years-of-the-enduring-legacy
2025 marks the 105th anniversary of the Order of Vitéz, a Hungarian institution established in 1920 under Regent Miklós Horthy to honor acts of bravery and service to the nation.
Founded in the wake of World War I and the dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy, the Order became a symbol of national pride and resilience. Its first council meeting was held on September 25, 1920, in the Matthias Hall of Buda Castle, and the first investiture ceremony followed in May 1921.
Members of the Order were recognized with the hereditary title of Vitéz, meaning “valiant” or “hero,” often accompanied by land grants. The honor quickly became a cornerstone of Hungarian cultural and military life between the two world wars, with many distinguished figures counted among its ranks.
After World War II, the communist regime dissolved the Order in 1948, forcing its survival into exile. Recognition by the International Commission for Orders of Chivalry in 1962 affirmed its legitimacy under the leadership of the Habsburg-Lorraine family. Today, Archduke Josef Karl of Habsburg-Lorraine serves as Captain General, continuing the Order’s legacy.
Despite political changes and internal challenges, the Order of Vitéz remains active, focusing on preserving Hungarian heritage, national identity, and charitable efforts. Its hereditary structure ensures that the honor continues to be passed down through generations.
As Hungary commemorates this milestone, the Order of Vitéz endures as both a reminder of the nation’s turbulent past and a symbol of its enduring values of honor, service, and resilience.