Every year at Prague Castle, the Czech President awards the Order of the White Lion (Řád Bílého lva) to outstanding individuals. It’s the highest award that a person can receive from the Czech state, with holders including foreign dignitaries as well as esteemed Czechs.
Four new recipients of the award were announced on Oct. 28 during the annual presentation of state awards in the Vladislav Hall at Prague Castle. Here, we look at the history of the Order of the White Lion, notable recipients past and present, and what kinds of contribution to Czechia the award recognizes.
This year’s recipients: gymnast, director, actor, scientist
The four awardees recognized by President Petr Pavel this October demonstrate the breadth of accomplishment which the Order of the White Lion is intended to celebrate.
Two recipients were awarded posthumously: gymnast and seven-time Olympic gold medallist Věra Čáslavská, and globally renowned director Miloš Forman, whose films include Amadeus, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Hair, and The Firemen’s Ball (Hoří, má panenko).
Want to continue reading the rest of this article?
Unlock full access, or continue for free
Become a Member
- Read all member articles on Expats.cz
- Enjoy an ad-free reading experience
- Attend unique community events
- Receive exclusive newsletters and offers
Interact with article
- Listen to audio versions of stories
- Customize alerts and save articles
- Catch up fast with quick summaries
Become a Member
Create a free account
- Read up to 3 member articles / month
Interact with article
- Customize alerts and save articles
- Catch up fast with quick summaries
Continue for free
Already a member? Sign-in now
Want to see more from us? Select Expats.cz as a
preferred source on Google.
Reading time: 5 minutes 
Summary for: EXPLAINED: What is Czechia’s highest state award and who has received it?
