Arms, and on the other the words 'Carta Constitutional da Monarquia' (Constitutional Charter of the Monarchy), and the legend, 'Pelo rei e pela lei' (for the King and the Law). The other part of the medal consists of a pentagonal white enamelled cross, resting upon an oaken wreath, and of a Tower to which the ring of the badge is fastened. For the Knights, the decoration is of silver; and for the other classes, of gold. The Knights of the Grand Cross, and the Commanders wear, besides, a star (Tab. III. No. 10) embroidered on the left side of the coat.
Usually the decoration is worn suspended by a dark blue ribbon; but at Court and on gala days, the Knights append it to a silver, and the officers to a golden chain, in the form of a collar, while the other classes append it to a collar composed of swords and towers.
The Knights enjoy the rank of Captain, the Officers that of Lieutenant-Colonel, the Commanders that of Colonel, the Knights Grand Cross that of Major General, and the Grand Officers that of Field Marshal.
In the States'-budget, a sum of money is annually demanded for the support of the orphans and children of needy members of the Order, for the pensions of such members, and for the maintenance of an asylum for the poor invalids of the Order; as also for the rent of a building where the archives are kept, the Chapter meets, and the festivals are celebrated. The festival day is the 29th April.
THE ORDER OF OUR LADY OF THE CONCEPTION, OF VILLA VICOSA.
This Order was founded on the 6th Feburary, 1818, by King John VI. and received its statutes on the 10th September, 1819.
