Grand Cross

For the astrological term see Grand cross.

Grand Cross is the highest grade in many orders of knighthood. Sometimes the holders of the highest grade are referred to "commanders grand cross", "knights grand cross" or just "grand crosses"; in other cases the actual insignia itself is called "the grand cross".

Alternatively, in some other orders, the highest grade may be called the "grand cordon", "grand collar" etc. In those cases the rank of grand cross may come after another rank (e.g. the Portuguese Order of Saint James of the Sword).

In the United Kingdom the rank entails admission to knighthood (allowing the recipient to use the title 'Sir' (male) or 'Dame' (female) before his or her name). The grand crosses of the various British orders are usually styled "Knight Grand Cross".