On 27 April 2021, in recognition of his relentless efforts over the last 25 years on behalf of the European and international unmanned aircraft systems communities to further the creation of rules, regulations and standards for these systems, highlight their societal & economic benefits, and promote their use, Peter Hubert van Blijenburgh, a Dutch national residing in Paris, France, was appointed to Officer in the Order of Oranje-Nassau, one of two chivalric orders that exist in the Netherlands.
During a ceremony on 26 April 2021, Pieter de Gooijer, the ambassador of the Netherlands in Paris, France, remitted the decoration, on behalf of H.M. Willem-Alexander, king of the Netherlands, to Mr Hubert van Blijenburgh.
About the Appointment
The king of the Netherlands is the Grandmaster of the Order of Oranje-Nassau, which has several grades, of which Officer is one. To be awarded this grade, there must be evidence that the appointee has:
- Spent significant time working for the benefit of society and/or encouraging others to do so
- Achieved one or more notable accomplishments, or performed activities, that are of special value to society on an international level.
Receiving the grade of Officer is an honour that is only conferred on a very limited number of recipients.