Order of Charles III

The Royal and Distinguished Spanish Order of Charles III, originally Royal and Much Distinguished Order of Charles III (, originally ) was created by the King of Spain Carlos III with the motto Virtuti et mérito. 

It honors people for their actions benefiting Spain and the Crown. Since its creation, and second to the Order of the Golden Fleece, it has been the most distinguished civil award that can be given in Spain.Real Decreto 1051/2002, de 11 de octubre, por el que se aprueba el Reglamento de la Real y Distinguida Orden Española de Carlos III. (as amended)

References

Category:Orders, decorations, and medals of Spain