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Tag: New Year’s Honours 2024

  • Here are the key differences between an MBE, OBE, CBE and a knighthood

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    HONOURS including the OBE, MBE, CBE and knighthood are given to recognise the amazing achievements and service of individuals in the UK.

    Here’s everything you need to know about the honours and how to distinguish between them.

    What’s the difference between GBE, DBE, KBE, CBE, OBE and MBE?

    The honours system rewards people with Honours, Decorations and Medals as a public recognition of their merit, service or bravery.

    Throughout history, monarchs have rewarded those who have shown significant service, loyalty or gallantry with titles or gifts.

    The best-known awards represent different ranks in the Order of the British Empire.

    Today, this Order rewards people from all walks of life with well-known honours, but it was started in 1917 by King George V, to reward outstanding contributions to the war effort.

    They include (in order of precedence):

    Dame or Knight of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (GBE, DBE, KBE)

    This honour is awarded to those who have made major contributions to any activity, in the  Arts, Sciences, Charitable work or Public Service, usually at a national level.

    Knighthoods and damehoods are traditionally presented with a touch of a sword by the King.

    The highest rank of the Order of the British Empire is Knight Grand Cross or Dame Grand Cross (GBE).

    The second highest grade is Knight Commander or Dame Commander (KBE or DBE).

    Both of these ranks entitle their members to use the title of Sir for men and Dame for women before their forename.

    Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE)

    A CBE is awarded for those with a prominent but lesser role at a national level, or a leading role at a regional level.

    You can also be awarded one for a distinguished, innovative contribution to any area.

    Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)

    An OBE is awarded for having a distinguished regional or county-wide role in any field through achievement or service to the community.

    This includes people whose work has made them known nationally in their chosen area.

    Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)

    An MBE is given to people for an outstanding achievement or service to the community.

    This should have a long-term, significant impact and stand out as an example to others.

    When are British honour announced?

    Those receiving the accolades are announced just before the New Year and around the King’s state birthday.

    In June 2023, King Charles’ first birthday honours were revealed.

    British honour recipients are officially announced in the royal newspaper The Gazette.

    Honours are largely awarded following the advice of the Cabinet Office, and anybody may make a recommendation if they know someone they believe to be worthy, but the individual must be actively involved in what they are being nominated for.

    Can women be knighted?

    Women are awarded a Damehood, rather than a knighthood.

    A Knighthood or a Damehood is one of the highest honours a person in the UK can be awarded.

    The title Dame, as an equivalent to Knight, was introduced in 1917.

    Women who are appointed to the Most Noble Order of the Garter or the Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle are given the title of Lady rather than Dame.

    What is the Order of the British Empire?

    The British honours system has several orders, mostly relating to the monarchy, military and colonial officials.

    But King George V wanted to fill the gap by creating an order which would honour the thousands of people who had served in non-combat roles during the First World War.

    However, the order has come under criticism for to its connection to the now-extinct British Empire.

    The Government has considered changing the name to the Order of British Excellence, but in 2020 said that “empire” would not be replaced.

    What does the Order of the British Empire entitle you to?

    Being awarded a Royal Honour brings many benefits.

    Anyone selected for an honour will be invited to attend an investiture ceremony at a royal residence where the King, or stand-ins Prince William, Princess Anne or Prince Edward, will give you the medal.

    This ceremony typically takes place a few months after the birthday or New Year honours list is announced, but award recipients can start using their new title or letters after their name as soon as the awards are announced.

    Has anyone ever refused an honour?

    On a few occasions, recipients have rejected the honours for political or personal reasons.

    Among this number is David Bowie, who turned down a CBE that was awarded to him in Queen Elizabeth‘s birthday honours list in 2000.

    Other stars who have declined OBEs include television cook and writer Nigella Lawson, comedy duo Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders, and Fawlty Towers star John Cleese.

    John Lennon is one of the few recipients to return his honour after having accepted it initially, sending back his MBE in 1969 in protest against Britain’s involvement in the Nigerian civil war.

    Stephen Hawking also turned down his honour in the 1990s in protest of the Government’s cuts to science funding.

    WHAT CAN PEOPLE GET HONOURS FOR?

    • Making a difference to their community or field of work
    • Enhancing Britain’s reputation
    • Long-term voluntary service
    • Innovation and entrepreneurship
    • Changing things, with an emphasis on achievement
    • Improving life for people less able to help themselves
    • Displaying moral courage

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    Daniel Tison, James Orr

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  • What we know about OBEs and what the honour stands for

    What we know about OBEs and what the honour stands for

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    MANY well-known faces have been awarded an OBE over the years, with David Beckham, JK Rowling and Idris Elba all being given the title.

    The prestigious honours are usually given out at Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle or the Palace of Holyroodhouse, by a Member of the Royal Family.

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    The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is an order of chivalry established in 1917 by King George FifthCredit: Alamy

    What is an OBE?

    An OBE is a British honour awarded by the King.

    The honour recognises extraordinary contributions to the country and the impact of the individual being awarded’s work, either locally or nationally.

    An OBE is the second-highest ranking in the Order of the British Empire honours.

    It ranks just after the CBE (Commander) and sits above the MBE (Member). 

    READ MORE ON KING CHARLES

    The Orders of the British Empire were created by King George V during World War One in 1917 to honour the efforts of civilians and servicemen in non-combat roles.

    They are now awarded to civilians twice a year – at New Year and on the King’s official birthday.

    King Charles‘ first Honours List was published by the Cabinet Office in New Year 2023.

    The honours were previously awarded by Queen Elizabeth II before her death in September 2022.

    What does OBE stand for?

    OBE stands for Officer of the Order of the British Empire.

    The OBE is generally given to people who have made a major contribution to their line of work, or whose work has gained national prominence.

    Celebrities who have been awarded the honour over the years include actors Eddie Redmyane and Liam Neeson, television presenter Lorraine Kelly and fashion designer Victoria Beckham.

    What does an OBE entitle you to?

    The OBE does not bestow any special legal entitlement or power.

    Recipients are, however, entitled to put the letters OBE after their name and enjoy the prestige and possible raised profile this brings.

    Those awarded the honour are also entitled to attend an investiture ceremony within six months of receiving the honour.

    Here they will formally receive their insignia from the King or another senior royal, such as Princess Anne or Prince William.

    How do you address an OBE?

    The OBE is known as a “post nominal” award.

    This means it does not carry a title like Sir or Dame which should be used in front of the name.

    This is reserved for those who are appointed Knights or Dames.  

    Those with an OBE should be addressed like any other person.

    Can you nominate someone for an OBE?

    Anyone can nominate anyone for an OBE by visiting the Cabinet Office website and filling in an application form.

    Every nomination is different, but it’s important that you tell the story of what your candidate has done that is extraordinary should you wish them to be considered.

    In your nomination, you must describe your candidate’s achievements, show what impact they had, demonstrate how they made a difference, describe what obstacles they have overcome and demonstrate how they have gone the extra mile.

    People cannot nominates themselves and those filling out an application for nomination cannot choose what type of award a person is nominated for.

    This will be determined during the selection process after the application is submitted to the Honours and Appointments Secretariat.

    A special committee then decides who gets the honours and what type they will receive.

    These decisions then go to the Prime Minister before the King has the final say.

    Can non-British citizens get an OBE?

    To receive an OBE, you must be a British national or a citizen of the Commonwealth countries.

    There are 15 Commonwealth realms as of 2023.

    These are Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, The Bahamas, Belize, Canada, Grenada, Jamaica, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, and the United Kingdom

    The King may, however, grant an honorary award such as the OBE to foreign nationals.

    These are nominated by the Foreign Office, which has responsibility for the Diplomatic Service and Overseas List.

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    Sun Reporter

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