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| King's Birthday Honours: How does the UK honours system work? | King's Birthday Honours: How does the UK honours system work? |
| (2 months later) | |
| Actor Imelda Staunton, Post Office campaigner Alan Bates and artist Tracey Emin were amongst those recognised in the 2024 King's Birthday Honours. | Actor Imelda Staunton, Post Office campaigner Alan Bates and artist Tracey Emin were amongst those recognised in the 2024 King's Birthday Honours. |
| The awards typically celebrate the contribution of well-known personalities, government employees and ordinary people who have served their community. | The awards typically celebrate the contribution of well-known personalities, government employees and ordinary people who have served their community. |
| When are honours awarded? | When are honours awarded? |
| Most honours are awarded at new year and on the monarch's official birthday, in June. | Most honours are awarded at new year and on the monarch's official birthday, in June. |
| The King's Birthday Honours list in 2024 included: | The King's Birthday Honours list in 2024 included: |
| a knighthood for Alan Bates, the former sub-postmaster who successfully campaigned to highlight the Post Office Horizon scandal | a knighthood for Alan Bates, the former sub-postmaster who successfully campaigned to highlight the Post Office Horizon scandal |
| a knighthood for Alan Bates, the former sub-postmaster who successfully campaigned to highlight the Post Office Horizon scandal | a knighthood for Alan Bates, the former sub-postmaster who successfully campaigned to highlight the Post Office Horizon scandal |
| damehoods for actress Imelda Staunton, designer Anya Hindmarch and artist Tracey Emin | damehoods for actress Imelda Staunton, designer Anya Hindmarch and artist Tracey Emin |
| damehoods for actress Imelda Staunton, designer Anya Hindmarch and artist Tracey Emin | damehoods for actress Imelda Staunton, designer Anya Hindmarch and artist Tracey Emin |
| MBEs (Member of the British Empire) for Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer Amy Dowden and EastEnders actress Rose Ayling-Ellis | MBEs (Member of the British Empire) for Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer Amy Dowden and EastEnders actress Rose Ayling-Ellis |
| MBEs (Member of the British Empire) for Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer Amy Dowden and EastEnders actress Rose Ayling-Ellis | MBEs (Member of the British Empire) for Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer Amy Dowden and EastEnders actress Rose Ayling-Ellis |
| The 2024 New Year Honours list included: | The 2024 New Year Honours list included: |
| a damehood for bestselling writer Jilly Cooper | a damehood for bestselling writer Jilly Cooper |
| a damehood for bestselling writer Jilly Cooper | a damehood for bestselling writer Jilly Cooper |
| knighthoods for Glastonbury Festival founder Michael Eavis and pub chain JD Wetherspoon founder Tim Martin | knighthoods for Glastonbury Festival founder Michael Eavis and pub chain JD Wetherspoon founder Tim Martin |
| knighthoods for Glastonbury Festival founder Michael Eavis and pub chain JD Wetherspoon founder Tim Martin | knighthoods for Glastonbury Festival founder Michael Eavis and pub chain JD Wetherspoon founder Tim Martin |
| CBEs (Commander of the British Empire) for ex-rugby league players Rob Burrow and Kevin Sinfield for raising awareness of motor neurone disease | CBEs (Commander of the British Empire) for ex-rugby league players Rob Burrow and Kevin Sinfield for raising awareness of motor neurone disease |
| CBEs (Commander of the British Empire) for ex-rugby league players Rob Burrow and Kevin Sinfield for raising awareness of motor neurone disease | CBEs (Commander of the British Empire) for ex-rugby league players Rob Burrow and Kevin Sinfield for raising awareness of motor neurone disease |
| an OBE (Officer of the British Empire) for England women's football interim captain Millie Bright and singer Leona Lewis | an OBE (Officer of the British Empire) for England women's football interim captain Millie Bright and singer Leona Lewis |
| an OBE (Officer of the British Empire) for England women's football interim captain Millie Bright and singer Leona Lewis | an OBE (Officer of the British Empire) for England women's football interim captain Millie Bright and singer Leona Lewis |
| MBEs for actress Emilia Clarke and England goalkeeper Mary Earps | MBEs for actress Emilia Clarke and England goalkeeper Mary Earps |
| MBEs for actress Emilia Clarke and England goalkeeper Mary Earps | MBEs for actress Emilia Clarke and England goalkeeper Mary Earps |
| King Charles III's first Birthday Honours list in 2023 included: | King Charles III's first Birthday Honours list in 2023 included: |
| an OBE for ex-footballer Ian Wright | an OBE for ex-footballer Ian Wright |
| an OBE for ex-footballer Ian Wright | an OBE for ex-footballer Ian Wright |
| MBEs for broadcasters Ken Bruce and Davina McCall | MBEs for broadcasters Ken Bruce and Davina McCall |
| MBEs for broadcasters Ken Bruce and Davina McCall | MBEs for broadcasters Ken Bruce and Davina McCall |
| a knighthood for former hostage Terry Waite | a knighthood for former hostage Terry Waite |
| a knighthood for former hostage Terry Waite | a knighthood for former hostage Terry Waite |
| In May 2024, nine people received bravery awards, external as part of the King's first civilian gallantry list. | In May 2024, nine people received bravery awards, external as part of the King's first civilian gallantry list. |
| Medal for twin who fought crocodile off sister | Medal for twin who fought crocodile off sister |
| Medal for twin who fought crocodile off sister | Medal for twin who fought crocodile off sister |
| Departing prime ministers can also issue resignation honours. | Departing prime ministers can also issue resignation honours. |
| Boris Johnson and Liz Truss both left office in 2022. | Boris Johnson and Liz Truss both left office in 2022. |
| Boris Johnson's resignation honours recognised close allies, including former Home Secretary Priti Patel | Boris Johnson's resignation honours recognised close allies, including former Home Secretary Priti Patel |
| Boris Johnson's resignation honours recognised close allies, including former Home Secretary Priti Patel | Boris Johnson's resignation honours recognised close allies, including former Home Secretary Priti Patel |
| Mr Johnson's controversial list, released in June 2023, initially contained eight names rejected by the House of Lords Appointments Commission, external. | Mr Johnson's controversial list, released in June 2023, initially contained eight names rejected by the House of Lords Appointments Commission, external. |
| It did not name the nominees but Mr Johnson's ally, former Tory MP Nadine Dorries, said "sinister forces" had stopped her receiving a peerage. | It did not name the nominees but Mr Johnson's ally, former Tory MP Nadine Dorries, said "sinister forces" had stopped her receiving a peerage. |
| Ms Truss was widely criticised for submitting an honours list after only 49 days in the job. Her 11 nominations largely consisted of political supporters and former aides. | Ms Truss was widely criticised for submitting an honours list after only 49 days in the job. Her 11 nominations largely consisted of political supporters and former aides. |
| When Parliament ends before a general election, dissolution honours are typically given to politicians. | When Parliament ends before a general election, dissolution honours are typically given to politicians. |
| After the death of a senior member of the Royal Family, Royal Victorian Order honours are awarded to people who served the family. | After the death of a senior member of the Royal Family, Royal Victorian Order honours are awarded to people who served the family. |
| Camilla, William and Kate receive royal honours | Camilla, William and Kate receive royal honours |
| Camilla, William and Kate receive royal honours | Camilla, William and Kate receive royal honours |
| Kate joins King for palace flypast on return to public duties | Kate joins King for palace flypast on return to public duties |
| Kate joins King for palace flypast on return to public duties | Kate joins King for palace flypast on return to public duties |
| How are people chosen for honours? | How are people chosen for honours? |
| The New Year and birthday honours are awarded by the King following recommendations by the prime minister or senior government ministers. | The New Year and birthday honours are awarded by the King following recommendations by the prime minister or senior government ministers. |
| Members of the public can also recommend people for an award., external These nominations typically make up about a quarter of all recommendations. | Members of the public can also recommend people for an award., external These nominations typically make up about a quarter of all recommendations. |
| Honours' lists include awards for people who: | Honours' lists include awards for people who: |
| have made significant achievements in public life | have made significant achievements in public life |
| have made significant achievements in public life | have made significant achievements in public life |
| committed themselves to serving and helping Britain | committed themselves to serving and helping Britain |
| committed themselves to serving and helping Britain | committed themselves to serving and helping Britain |
| Resignation or dissolution honours are decided by the prime minister and do not go through the same process. | Resignation or dissolution honours are decided by the prime minister and do not go through the same process. |
| The Foreign Office has responsibility for the Diplomatic Service and Overseas List. Honorary awards for foreign nationals are recommended by the foreign secretary. | The Foreign Office has responsibility for the Diplomatic Service and Overseas List. Honorary awards for foreign nationals are recommended by the foreign secretary. |
| Honours are traditionally kept confidential until the official announcement, with lists provided to media outlets under embargo. | Honours are traditionally kept confidential until the official announcement, with lists provided to media outlets under embargo. |
| But a number of 2024 New Year honours' recipients issued their own embargoed press releases weeks in advance. | But a number of 2024 New Year honours' recipients issued their own embargoed press releases weeks in advance. |
| 'I won!' Honours system loses its sense of modesty | 'I won!' Honours system loses its sense of modesty |
| 'I won!' Honours system loses its sense of modesty | 'I won!' Honours system loses its sense of modesty |
| How are nominees vetted? | How are nominees vetted? |
| People in line for an honour are checked by the Honours and Appointments Secretariat,, external which is part of the Cabinet Office government department. | People in line for an honour are checked by the Honours and Appointments Secretariat,, external which is part of the Cabinet Office government department. |
| The Cabinet Office has agreements with other government departments to let it access confidential information about nominees. | The Cabinet Office has agreements with other government departments to let it access confidential information about nominees. |
| For example, HMRC provides a low, medium or high-risk rating, external on a nominee's tax affairs. | For example, HMRC provides a low, medium or high-risk rating, external on a nominee's tax affairs. |
| Peerages are vetted by the House of Lords Appointments Commission. , external | Peerages are vetted by the House of Lords Appointments Commission. , external |
| A Parliamentary and Political Services Committee considers honours for politicians and for political service. | A Parliamentary and Political Services Committee considers honours for politicians and for political service. |
| In recent years, political donations made by some nominees, external have received scrutiny. | In recent years, political donations made by some nominees, external have received scrutiny. |
| What is the House of Lords and how do people become members? | What is the House of Lords and how do people become members? |
| What is the House of Lords and how do people become members? | What is the House of Lords and how do people become members? |
| Can you turn down an honour? | Can you turn down an honour? |
| When somebody is approved for an honour, they are sent a letter asking if they will accept it. | When somebody is approved for an honour, they are sent a letter asking if they will accept it. |
| A list of 277 people who turned down honours between 1951 and 1999 - and subsequently died - was made public following a BBC Freedom of Information request., external | A list of 277 people who turned down honours between 1951 and 1999 - and subsequently died - was made public following a BBC Freedom of Information request., external |
| It included authors Roald Dahl, JG Ballard and Aldous Huxley, and painters Francis Bacon, Lucien Freud and LS Lowry. | It included authors Roald Dahl, JG Ballard and Aldous Huxley, and painters Francis Bacon, Lucien Freud and LS Lowry. |
| Poet Benjamin Zephaniah said it would be "hypocritical" to accept an honour including the world "Empire" | Poet Benjamin Zephaniah said it would be "hypocritical" to accept an honour including the world "Empire" |
| Poet Benjamin Zephaniah said it would be "hypocritical" to accept an honour including the world "Empire" | Poet Benjamin Zephaniah said it would be "hypocritical" to accept an honour including the world "Empire" |
| The late Benjamin Zephaniah rejected an OBE in 2003 because of the association with the British Empire and its history of slavery. | The late Benjamin Zephaniah rejected an OBE in 2003 because of the association with the British Empire and its history of slavery. |
| Others reported to have turned down an honour include David Bowie, Nigella Lawson, Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders. | Others reported to have turned down an honour include David Bowie, Nigella Lawson, Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders. |
| No Sir! Who's turned down an honour? | No Sir! Who's turned down an honour? |
| No Sir! Who's turned down an honour? | No Sir! Who's turned down an honour? |
| Can an honour be removed? | Can an honour be removed? |
| Some people have had their honours withdrawn by the Honours Forfeiture Committee. | Some people have had their honours withdrawn by the Honours Forfeiture Committee. |
| They include Rolf Harris, who went to prison for indecent assault, and Anthony Blunt, the former art adviser to the Queen who was revealed to be a Soviet spy. | They include Rolf Harris, who went to prison for indecent assault, and Anthony Blunt, the former art adviser to the Queen who was revealed to be a Soviet spy. |
| PM Rishi Sunak said he would support calls for the Honours Forfeiture Committee to consider withdrawing Ms Vennells' CBE | PM Rishi Sunak said he would support calls for the Honours Forfeiture Committee to consider withdrawing Ms Vennells' CBE |
| PM Rishi Sunak said he would support calls for the Honours Forfeiture Committee to consider withdrawing Ms Vennells' CBE | PM Rishi Sunak said he would support calls for the Honours Forfeiture Committee to consider withdrawing Ms Vennells' CBE |
| In January 2024, former Post Office boss Paula Vennells said she would hand back her CBE after facing mounting pressure over the Horizon IT scandal. | In January 2024, former Post Office boss Paula Vennells said she would hand back her CBE after facing mounting pressure over the Horizon IT scandal. |
| Twelve months earlier, actor and TV presenter Alan Cumming returned his OBE over the "toxicity" of the British Empire. | Twelve months earlier, actor and TV presenter Alan Cumming returned his OBE over the "toxicity" of the British Empire. |
| How and when do people receive their honours? | How and when do people receive their honours? |
| Honours are typically awarded by the King, Prince of Wales or Princess Royal, at Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle or the Palace of Holyroodhouse. | Honours are typically awarded by the King, Prince of Wales or Princess Royal, at Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle or the Palace of Holyroodhouse. |
| Recipients can select their investiture's date and location but not which member of the Royal Family presides over the ceremony. | Recipients can select their investiture's date and location but not which member of the Royal Family presides over the ceremony. |
| Last year, the King awarded Sergio and Emma Petrucci MBEs for services to health and the community, at Buckingham Palace | Last year, the King awarded Sergio and Emma Petrucci MBEs for services to health and the community, at Buckingham Palace |
| Last year, the King awarded Sergio and Emma Petrucci MBEs for services to health and the community, at Buckingham Palace | Last year, the King awarded Sergio and Emma Petrucci MBEs for services to health and the community, at Buckingham Palace |
| British Empire Medals are presented locally by lord-lieutenants, who represent the King. Recipients are also invited to attend a royal garden party. | British Empire Medals are presented locally by lord-lieutenants, who represent the King. Recipients are also invited to attend a royal garden party. |
| What does the King do? | What does the King do? |
| What does the King do? | What does the King do? |
| What types of honours are there? | What types of honours are there? |
| Knights and Dames | Knights and Dames |
| The honour of knighthood comes from the days of medieval chivalry, as does the method used to confer the knighthood - the accolade, or the touch of a sword, by the sovereign. | The honour of knighthood comes from the days of medieval chivalry, as does the method used to confer the knighthood - the accolade, or the touch of a sword, by the sovereign. |
| A knight is styled "Sir" and their wife "Lady". | A knight is styled "Sir" and their wife "Lady". |
| Women receiving the honour are styled "Dame" but do not receive the accolade. | Women receiving the honour are styled "Dame" but do not receive the accolade. |
| The honour is given for a pre-eminent contribution in any field of activity. | The honour is given for a pre-eminent contribution in any field of activity. |
| The rank of Knight Commander (KBE) or Dame Commander (DBE), Order of the British Empire, appears on the Diplomatic Service and Overseas list. | The rank of Knight Commander (KBE) or Dame Commander (DBE), Order of the British Empire, appears on the Diplomatic Service and Overseas list. |
| The Order of the Bath | The Order of the Bath |
| The Order of the Bath is an order of chivalry and was founded in 1725 for service of the highest calibre. | The Order of the Bath is an order of chivalry and was founded in 1725 for service of the highest calibre. |
| It has a civil and military division and is awarded in the following ranks: Knight Grand Cross (GCB), Knight Commander (KCB) and Companion (CB). | It has a civil and military division and is awarded in the following ranks: Knight Grand Cross (GCB), Knight Commander (KCB) and Companion (CB). |
| The Order takes its name from the symbolic bathing which, in former times, was often part of the preparation of a candidate for knighthood. | The Order takes its name from the symbolic bathing which, in former times, was often part of the preparation of a candidate for knighthood. |
| Order of St Michael and St George | Order of St Michael and St George |
| This Order was founded by King George III in 1818 and is awarded to British subjects who have rendered extraordinary and important services abroad or in the Commonwealth. | This Order was founded by King George III in 1818 and is awarded to British subjects who have rendered extraordinary and important services abroad or in the Commonwealth. |
| Ranks in the Order are Knight or Dame Grand Cross (GCMG), Knight or Dame Commander (KCMG or DCMG) and Companion (CMG). | Ranks in the Order are Knight or Dame Grand Cross (GCMG), Knight or Dame Commander (KCMG or DCMG) and Companion (CMG). |
| Order of the Companions of Honour | Order of the Companions of Honour |
| This is awarded for service of conspicuous national importance and is limited to 65 people. Recipients are entitled to put the initials CH after their name. | This is awarded for service of conspicuous national importance and is limited to 65 people. Recipients are entitled to put the initials CH after their name. |
| Orders of the British Empire | Orders of the British Empire |
| King George V created these honours during World War One to reward services to the war effort by civilians at home and service personnel in support positions. | King George V created these honours during World War One to reward services to the war effort by civilians at home and service personnel in support positions. |
| The ranks are Commander (CBE), Officer (OBE), and Member (MBE). | The ranks are Commander (CBE), Officer (OBE), and Member (MBE). |
| They are now awarded for prominent national or regional roles, and to those making distinguished or notable contributions in their own specific areas of activity. | They are now awarded for prominent national or regional roles, and to those making distinguished or notable contributions in their own specific areas of activity. |
| British Empire Medal (BEM) | British Empire Medal (BEM) |
| The medal was founded in 1917 and was awarded for "meritorious" actions by civilians or military personnel, although the recipients did not attend a royal investiture. | The medal was founded in 1917 and was awarded for "meritorious" actions by civilians or military personnel, although the recipients did not attend a royal investiture. |
| Scrapped in 1993 by Conservative Prime Minister John Major, the BEM was revived in 2012. | Scrapped in 1993 by Conservative Prime Minister John Major, the BEM was revived in 2012. |
| Royal Victorian Order | Royal Victorian Order |
| By 1896, prime ministers and governments had increased their influence over the distribution of awards and had gained almost total control of the system. | By 1896, prime ministers and governments had increased their influence over the distribution of awards and had gained almost total control of the system. |
| In response, Queen Victoria instituted The Royal Victorian Order as a personal award for services performed on behalf of the Royal Family. | In response, Queen Victoria instituted The Royal Victorian Order as a personal award for services performed on behalf of the Royal Family. |
| The ranks are Knight or Dame Grand Cross (GCVO), Knight or Dame Commander (KCVO or DCVO), Commander (CVO), Lieutenant (LVO) and Member (MVO). | The ranks are Knight or Dame Grand Cross (GCVO), Knight or Dame Commander (KCVO or DCVO), Commander (CVO), Lieutenant (LVO) and Member (MVO). |
| Royal Victorian Medal | Royal Victorian Medal |
| Associated with the Royal Victorian Order is the Royal Victorian Medal which has three grades: gold, silver and bronze. The circular medal is attached to the ribbon of the Order. | Associated with the Royal Victorian Order is the Royal Victorian Medal which has three grades: gold, silver and bronze. The circular medal is attached to the ribbon of the Order. |
| Royal Red Cross | Royal Red Cross |
| Founded in 1883 by Queen Victoria, the award is confined to the nursing services. Those awarded the First Class are designated "Members" (RRC): those awarded the Second Class are designated "Associates" (ARRC). | Founded in 1883 by Queen Victoria, the award is confined to the nursing services. Those awarded the First Class are designated "Members" (RRC): those awarded the Second Class are designated "Associates" (ARRC). |
| King's Police Medal | King's Police Medal |
| Awarded for distinguished service in the police force. | Awarded for distinguished service in the police force. |
| King's Fire Service Medal | King's Fire Service Medal |
| Given to firefighters who have displayed conspicuous devotion to duty. | Given to firefighters who have displayed conspicuous devotion to duty. |
| King's Ambulance Service Medal | King's Ambulance Service Medal |
| Awarded for distinguished service in the ambulance service. | Awarded for distinguished service in the ambulance service. |
| King's Gallantry Medal | King's Gallantry Medal |
| Awarded to civilians, for acts of exemplary bravery. | Awarded to civilians, for acts of exemplary bravery. |
| King's Commendation for Bravery | King's Commendation for Bravery |
| Awarded to civilians and all ranks of the British armed forces, for actions not in the presence of an enemy. | Awarded to civilians and all ranks of the British armed forces, for actions not in the presence of an enemy. |
| King's Commendation for Bravery in the Air | King's Commendation for Bravery in the Air |
| Awarded to civilians and all ranks of the British armed forces, for acts of bravery in the air not in the presence of an enemy. | Awarded to civilians and all ranks of the British armed forces, for acts of bravery in the air not in the presence of an enemy. |
| Related topics | |
| King's Birthday Honours | King's Birthday Honours |
| UK Royal Family | UK Royal Family |
| PM's resignation honours | PM's resignation honours |
| New Year Honours | New Year Honours |
| King Charles III | King Charles III |