Dutch knights of the Bailiwick of Brandenburg formed their own commandery within the "Johanniterorden" in 1909, when the Dutch monarch afforded it royal protection; and the commandery separated from the German "Johanniterorden" in 1946. The commandery became an independent order in 1958 and is known as "Johanniter Orde in Nederland", now admitting noblewomen as well as noblemen. The Dutch monarch is an honorary commander. With the German and Swedish orders, the Dutch order helped found the Alliance of the Orders of St. John of Jerusalem on June 13, 1961.