A recommendation for an honour can be made in two ways:

• either through the immediate superior under whom the candidate has served, or through an even higher authority;
• or by the candidate himself, if he feels that his acts make him eligible.

In both cases, the acts on which the recommendation is based may not have taken place longer than five years ago. In all cases, witness statements are very important. Unlike the Civil Orders, decorations for bravery can be awarded posthumously.

Advice from the Advisory Commission of the Military William Order

The Minister of Defence sends the recommendation to the Advisory Commission of the Military William Order, asking for their advice. The Advisory Commission considers the acts and statement and advises whether or not to confer an honour and if so, in which grade. The advice of the Advisory Commission carries a great deal of weight. The minister must present good arguments if he wants to deviate from this advice.

Recommendation to Her Majesty the Queen and Royal decree

The Minister of Defence makes a recommendation to the Grand Master of the Order: Her Majesty the Queen. This recommendation is accompanied by a Royal decree, which is signed by Her Majesty the Queen. Subsequently, the minister of Defence also signs the Royal decree, the so-called countersignature. The honour can then be conferred, together with an accompanying certificate. The regulations for the conferral are described in detail in the Rules of Procedure.