SWEDEN AND NORWAY.
GENERAL REMARKS.
The King is the head and Grand Master of all the Swedish Orders, but has not the right to abolish any of them. As a mark of special favour, he may confer the decoration set in diamonds.
The entrance fees paid by foreigners go to the treasury of the Hospital at Stockholm.
He who wears a decoration unlawfully, is liable to a fine of 333 rixthalers and 16 skillings (about £23).
In 1783, King Gustavus HI. ordered, that a collection of the portraits of all the Knights, in copper-plate engravings, should be published, accompanied by a brief biography, written by the Court historiographer. The work had actually been begun, and a considerable number of the portraits been worked off by the celebrated J. F. Martin, when the war put an end to the undertaking.
No Swedish subject can accept a foreign Order without special permission from the King.
The decorations are not hereditary, and must be returned after the decease of the owners.