WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao residents have until today, August 31, to nominate individuals for a Royal Decoration in 2027, according to information published by the Government of Curaçao.
Royal Decorations are awarded by King Willem-Alexander to individuals who have made exceptional or particularly valuable contributions to society or to specific groups within the community.
Candidates can include people who have devoted many years to volunteer work as well as individuals whose exceptional achievements through their profession or other activities extend substantially beyond what would normally be expected of them.
For volunteer work, the government indicates that candidates generally should have been active for at least 15 years and devote a minimum of approximately six hours per week to their activities.
A nomination must be submitted by one person and supported in writing by at least two others.
The nomination should explain the candidate's activities and why the person's contribution deserves recognition. The process must remain confidential so that the possible decoration remains a surprise for the candidate.
Two categories of Royal Decorations are most commonly awarded in Curaçao: the Order of Orange-Nassau and the Order of the Netherlands Lion.
The Order of Orange-Nassau generally recognizes longstanding volunteer work or exceptional contributions made through a person's profession or secondary activities.
The Order of the Netherlands Lion is generally associated with exceptional achievements, including accomplishments in areas such as culture and sport.
Submitting a person's name does not automatically mean that the candidate will receive a decoration.
After a proposal is submitted, Curaçao's Decoration Committee carries out an extensive assessment and advisory process. Its recommendations are subsequently submitted to the Council of Ministers.
If the Council of Ministers supports the nomination, an official proposal is forwarded to the Governor of Curaçao. The Governor then submits the proposal, together with advice, to the Chapter for the Civil Orders in the Netherlands.
Ultimately, candidates approved through the process are presented to the King, who formally signs the appointments by Royal Decree.
The Curaçao government is encouraging residents who know someone who has quietly served the community for many years to consider putting that person's name forward.
There is, however, an inconsistency on the government's own information page concerning the deadline. At the top, the page states that nominations for the 2027 Royal Decorations can be submitted until August 31, 2026, while its frequently asked questions section later mentions September 15.
Residents intending to submit a nomination would therefore be prudent to use the earlier August 31 deadline unless the government provides clarification.
Curaçao Government Royal Decorations information and nomination page