A historic spiritual alliance between two Orders of Saint James

Photorealistic version of The taking of Alcácer do Sal, by Alfredo Roque Gameiro. Illustration by Alfredo Roque Gameiro in the book História de Portugal, popular e ilustrada, by Manuel Pinheiro Chagas

The Imperial Military Order of Saint James of the Sword and the Most Noble Equestrian Order of Saint James have formalized a profound reunion between their chivalric institutions. Listen to the podcast to learn more.

This historic agreement unites the two traditions through their respective executive leaders. On one side is the Grand Master and Perpetual Administrator of the Imperial Military Order of Saint James of the Sword, H.I.R.H. Dom Pedro Bourbon de Orleans e Bragança. As head of the imperial House of Orleans-Braganza, he leads the lineage serving as the rightful successors to the throne of the Empire of Brazil and the oldest branch of the Portuguese Royal Family. He is joined in this accord by the Governor of the Most Noble Equestrian Order of Saint James, H.S.H. Georg-Viktor Prince zu Bentheim und Steinfurt.

The alliance draws directly upon the institutional heritage of the Portuguese-Brazilian Order, which was confirmed by Apostolic Privilege under Pope Leo XII’s papal bull Praeclara Portugalliae Algarbiorumque Regum on 15 May 1827. The defining document binding the two chivalric bodies was formally signed and sealed on 1 October 2026.

The shared history of two noble lineages

The Portuguese Order of Saint James of the Sword originates as a local branch of the Spanish Order of Santiago. Founded in Spain in 1170, the order quickly expanded into Portugal in 1172. Over time, the Portuguese branch grew politically and militarily powerful, eventually separating from the Spanish headquarters to become an independent order. The Portuguese Order of Saint James of the Sword became a Brazilian order when Emperor Pedro I declared Brazil's independence in 1822, nationalizing the order into the Imperial Order of Saint James of the Sword.

Partnering in this historic accord is H.S.H. Prince Georg-Victor zu Bentheim und Steinfurt, the legal successor to the Counts of Holland, who exercises sovereign governance over the Most Noble Equestrian Order of Saint James, instituted in 1290 by Count Floris V of Holland. The deep connection between these two noble lineages goes all the way back to the Fifth Crusade. Between 30 July 1217 and 18 October 1217, Count Willem I of Holland fought in a unified Christian brotherhood alongside the knights of the Iberian Order of Santiago at the Siege of Alcácer do Sal. This early collaboration with the Iberian knights, led by Martim Pais Barregão, directly inspired the creation of the Dutch order and laid the groundwork for today's modern treaty.

Forging a modern spiritual and charitable communion

Through this concordat, both august houses mutually and formally recognize the historical origins, nobiliary rights, and legitimate fons honorum of each other's respective Orders of Saint James. Beyond mutual recognition, they have committed to a permanent spiritual communion, encouraging their chaplains, knights, and dames to remember one another in their prayers. This spiritual connection will be especially honoured on 25 July, which marks the Feast of Saint James the Greater. To honour the spirit of their historical ancestors, the two houses will also engage in joint endeavours spanning historical research, cultural exchanges, and shared charitable initiatives. These united efforts aim to reflect the virtues of Christian knighthood by focusing on the protection of the vulnerable, inspired directly by their shared origins of protecting pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago.