The Order of the White Lion is the highest Czech state decoration. It is awarded by the President of the Czech Republic.[1]
In 2026, President Petr Pavel awarded the Order of the White Lion, 2nd Class, in memoriam to gymnast Věra Čáslavská and film director Miloš Forman. The 3rd Class was awarded to actress Iva Janžurová and scientist Helena Illnerová, the first chairwoman of the Czech Academy of Sciences.[1]
Other state decorations mentioned in coverage of this year's awards include the Order of Tomáš Masaryk and the Medal for Heroism. Nominations for the decorations were submitted by the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate; the Chamber's list contained 131 names, while 110 nominations came from the Senate.[1]
Chronology
- — On 28 October 2026, President Petr Pavel awarded state decorations at Prague Castle; the Order of the White Lion was awarded in memoriam to Věra Čáslavská and Miloš Forman, as well as to Iva Janžurová and Helena Illnerová. → iDNES.cz iROZHLAS