Which order did Queen Victoria establish in 1896?

Queen Victoria established the Royal Victorian Order in 1896.

Created on 21 April 1896, it was intended as a personal order through which the Queen could reward distinguished service to her directly. Unlike honours usually granted on ministerial advice, this order gave Victoria a flexible way to recognise people throughout the British Empire, especially those who served the monarch or Royal Household.

The order began as a junior order of knighthood with five grades. Its connection is personal rather than territorial: it is not awarded simply for general public service. The Royal Victorian Chain, created by Edward VII in 1902, is related but distinct, so it should not be confused with the order itself.

The Order of the Garter and Order of the Bath are much older chivalric orders, while the Order of Merit was created later, in 1902. The Royal Victorian Order remains an active honour under the British sovereign.