What is the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire?

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is a British order of chivalry that recognizes valuable service in a wide array of useful activities. It was established in 1917 and comprises five classes of awards across civil and military divisions.

When was the Order of the British Empire established, and by whom?

The Order of the British Empire was established on June 4, 1917, by King George V.

What was the primary purpose for establishing the Order of the British Empire?

King George V created the order to recognize individuals, both male and female, who had rendered or would render important services to the British Empire. It was intended to acknowledge valuable contributions across a broad spectrum of activities, particularly recognizing the efforts of those in non-combat roles during World War I.

What are the five classes of appointment within the Order of the British Empire, listed from highest to lowest?

The five classes of appointment, from highest to lowest, are: Knight Grand Cross or Dame Grand Cross (GBE), Knight Commander or Dame Commander (KBE or DBE), Commander (CBE), Officer (OBE), and Member (MBE).

What is the British Empire Medal (BEM)?

The British Empire Medal is a related award affiliated with the Order of the British Empire. While recipients are associated with the order, they are not considered members of it. The BEM was established in 1917 as the Medal of the Order of the British Empire and was renamed in 1941.

How did the Order of the British Empire address services rendered both within the UK and overseas?

From its inception, the order was intended to provide equal recognition for services rendered in the United Kingdom and those provided overseas, ensuring a broad scope of appreciation for contributions to the Empire.

Who is eligible to receive an award in the Order of the British Empire?

Eligibility extends to British nationals and citizens of Commonwealth realms. Awards can also be made to individuals who have made significant achievements for the United Kingdom. Honorary awards are available for citizens of other nations where the monarch is not the head of state.

When was a Military Division added to the Order of the British Empire?

A Military Division was added to the Order of the British Empire in August 1918, shortly after its foundation, to recognize serving naval and military personnel.

How did the statutes of the order change in December 1922?

In December 1922, the statutes were amended to place the order on a more peacetime footing. This included limiting the number of appointments and stipulating that senior Civil Division awards should outnumber Military Division awards by a ratio of six to one. Appointments in the Civil Division were also to be divided equally between UK and overseas awards.

What distinction was made regarding the Medal of the Order in 1922?

In 1922, a distinction was made between awards for 'gallantry' and awards for 'meritorious service'. Awards for gallantry were marked with laurel leaves on the clasp, while those for meritorious service received oak leaves. Both were appropriately inscribed.

How did the insignia of the Order change in 1937?

In 1937, the designs of the order's insignia were altered to commemorate the reign of King George V and Queen Mary. The image of Britannia on the badge was replaced with crowned effigies of the late King and Queen, and the reverse of the medal was updated to include the words 'Instituted by King George V'.

What change was made to the riband of the Order in 1937?

Following Queen Mary's appointment as Grand Master in 1936, the riband's color was changed from purple to rose-pink, edged with pearl grey. A central pearl-grey stripe was added for awards in the military division.

How did the number of military awards change during World War II?

During World War II, the number of military awards saw a significant increase, with over 33,000 appointments to the Military Division made between 1939 and 1946.

How did the nomination process for overseas awards evolve?

Initially, nominations for overseas awards were handled by the Foreign Office, Colonial Office, India Office, and Dominions Office. In the early 1940s, this system changed to allow Commonwealth dominion governments to make their own nominations, starting with Canada and South Africa in 1942.

When did St Paul's Cathedral become the chapel of the Order, and when was its chapel dedicated?

St Paul's Cathedral was designated as the chapel of the Order in May 1957, and a dedicated chapel for its use was consecrated in the cathedral's crypt in 1960.

How has the use of the Order of the British Empire by Commonwealth realms changed over time?

As independent Commonwealth states established their own honours systems, their recommendations for the Order of the British Empire gradually reduced. For example, Canada ceased recommendations in 1966, Australia in 1992, and New Zealand used it until 1996, though other realms continue to use it.

What significant reforms to the honours system were instituted in 1993?

In 1993, Prime Minister John Major introduced reforms aimed at recognizing exceptional service more widely, emphasizing voluntary service, ending automatic honors, and reducing distinctions in military gallantry awards. These reforms led to the OBE replacing the Imperial Service Order and an increase in MBE awards.

What was the outcome of the 2004 report regarding the Order of the British Empire?

A 2004 report by a House of Commons select committee recommended phasing out the Order of the British Empire, citing its title as potentially embodying outdated values. The committee suggested renaming it the Order of British Excellence and changing the rank of Commander to Companion, but the government did not pursue these suggestions.

What categories are used to ensure consistent representation among recipients in the 21st century?

In the 21st century, quotas were introduced to ensure representation across nine categories: Arts and media, Community/voluntary/local, Economy, Education, Health, Parliamentary/political, Science and technology, Sport, and State. Community, voluntary, and local service receives the largest proportion of awards.

When did non-military awards of the British Empire Medal resume, and for what occasion?

Non-military awards of the British Empire Medal resumed in 2012, beginning with 293 BEMs awarded in recognition of Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee.

What are the limits on the number of appointments for the higher classes of the Order of the British Empire?

The Order is limited to 300 Knights and Dames Grand Cross, 845 Knights and Dames Commander, and 8,960 Commanders. There are no limits on the total number of Officers and Members, but no more than 858 Officers and 1,464 Members can be appointed annually.

Who is the Sovereign of the Order of the British Empire?

The British sovereign serves as the Sovereign of the Order of the British Empire and is responsible for appointing all other officers, typically on the advice of the governments of the United Kingdom and certain Commonwealth realms.

What is the role of the Grand Master of the Order?

The Grand Master is the second-most senior officer of the Order, appointed by the Sovereign. This role is typically held by a member of the Royal Family or another distinguished personage, who also becomes the 'First or Principal Knight Grand Cross'.

Who are the current holders of the Grand Master position?

The current Grand Master is Queen Camilla, who assumed the role in April 2024. Previous holders include Edward, Prince of Wales; Queen Mary; and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

Who are the six officers of the Order of the British Empire?

The six officers are the Prelate (Bishop of London), Dean (Dean of St Paul's), Secretary (Secretary of the Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood), Registrar (Cabinet Secretary), King of Arms, and Lady Usher of the Purple Rod.

How has the role of the Registrar and Secretary evolved within the Order?

Initially combined, the roles of Registrar and Secretary were separated in 1922. The Registrar became responsible for recording proceedings and issuing warrants, while the Secretary managed the collection and tabulation of award nominations.

How were gallantry awards within the Order designated from 1958?

From January 14, 1958, gallantry awards within the Order were specifically designated as Commander, Officer, or Member of the Order of the British Empire for Gallantry.

What emblem signifies a gallantry award for members appointed after January 14, 1958?

Individuals appointed for gallantry after January 14, 1958, wear an emblem of two crossed silver oak leaves on their ribbon. A miniature version of this emblem is worn on the ribbon bar when the ribbon is worn alone.

What was the purpose of the 1937 changes to the Order's insignia?

The 1937 changes to the insignia, including the badge and star, were made in commemoration of the reign of King George V and Queen Mary, during whose time the Order was founded.

Describe the badge of the Order of the British Empire.

The badge is a cross patonce with a central medallion. The obverse features a crowned image of George V and Queen Mary within a circlet bearing the Order's motto, 'For God and the Empire'. The reverse displays George V's Royal and Imperial Cypher. The size and specific design elements vary by class.

What is the significance of the change in the Order's riband color in 1937?

The riband was changed to rose-pink edged with pearl grey in 1937, reportedly reflecting Queen Mary's preference. This marked a departure from the original purple riband.

How do Knights and Dames Grand Cross wear the Order's riband?

Knights and Dames Grand Cross wear the Order's riband as a broad sash, passing from the right shoulder to the left hip.

Which classes of the Order wear a star?

An eight-pointed star is worn by Knights and Dames Grand Cross, pinned to the left breast. Knights and Dames Commander wear a smaller star composed of four equal points and four lesser points. The star is not worn by the more junior classes.

When were mantles, hats, and collars introduced for members of the Order?

Mantles, hats, and collars were introduced for members of the highest class (GBE) in 1929, aligning the Order with other orders of chivalry. These items were redesigned in 1937.

What is the design of the collar of the Order of the British Empire?

The collar is made of gold and consists of six medallions depicting the Royal Arms, alternating with six medallions showing George V's Royal and Imperial Cypher (GRI). These are linked by gold cables depicting sea-lions and crowns, with the badge suspended from the collar.

What is the design of the British Empire Medal?

The British Empire Medal is made of silver. Its obverse features an image of Britannia surrounded by the motto, with 'For Meritorious Service' at the bottom. The reverse displays George V's Imperial and Royal Cypher and the inscription 'Instituted by King George V'.

Where is the Chapel of the Order of the British Empire located?

The Chapel of the Order of the British Empire is located in the crypt of St Paul's Cathedral in London.

What privileges do recipients of the Order have regarding their coats of arms?

Knights, Dames, and Commanders of the Order may display its circlet around their coat of arms, with the badge suspended below it. Knights and Dames Grand Cross may also display the Order's collar surrounding their arms.

How are male clergy treated regarding the title 'Sir' within the Order?

Male clergy of the Church of England or Church of Scotland do not use the title 'Sir' unless knighted before ordination, as they do not receive the accolade (dubbing with a sword). However, they still append the post-nominal letters.

What are the post-nominal letters for each class of the Order?

The post-nominal letters are GBE for Knights and Dames Grand Cross, KBE for Knights Commander, DBE for Dames Commander, CBE for Commanders, OBE for Officers, and MBE for Members. The British Empire Medal uses the post-nominal BEM.

How are wives of male recipients of the Order treated in terms of precedence and titles?

Wives of male members of all classes may prefix 'Lady' to their surnames. They are also included in the order of precedence, as are the sons, daughters, and daughters-in-law of Knights Grand Cross and Knights Commander.

Who was the first Grand Master of the Order of the British Empire?

The first Grand Master of the Order of the British Empire was Edward, Prince of Wales, who held the position from the Order's establishment in 1917 until 1936.

What is the significance of the Honours Forfeiture Committee?

The Honours Forfeiture Committee considers cases where an honour might be annulled, such as due to criminal convictions or actions that bring the honours system into disrepute. The monarch makes the final decision on annulment based on these recommendations.

Can an individual renounce their honour from the Order of the British Empire?

Yes, an individual can symbolically renounce their honour by returning the insignia and ceasing to use the title. However, the honour remains officially held unless formally annulled by the monarch.

Can you name some notable individuals who have declined an honour from the Order of the British Empire?

Notable individuals who have declined honours include David Bowie, John Cleese, Nigella Lawson, L. S. Lowry, George Melly, J. G. Ballard, and Benjamin Zephaniah. John Oliver also turned down an OBE offer in 2019.

What reasons have been cited by individuals for declining honours from the Order?

Reasons for declining honours have included opposition to the honours system itself, viewing it as a 'preposterous charade', or a connection to the historical aspects of the British Empire, which some find reminiscent of past brutality and oppression. C. S. Lewis declined to avoid association with political issues.

What was John Lennon's stance on receiving and returning his MBE?

John Lennon accepted his MBE in 1965, justifying it by comparing it to war heroism awards. However, he later returned his MBE insignia in 1969 as a protest against the Vietnam War and British involvement in Nigeria, Biafra, and Czechoslovakia.

What criticism has been leveled against the Order regarding the title and the nature of awards?

Criticism has focused on the Order's title, which some find unacceptable due to its association with the now-extinct British Empire. Additionally, some critics argue that many recipients are honored simply for performing their jobs, particularly within the Civil Service and Judiciary, rather than for exceptional achievements.

Order Of The British Empire Wiki: Imperial Honours: The Order of the British Empire

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Order Overview

A Foundation of Service

Established on June 4, 1917, by King George V, the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is a British order of chivalry. It recognizes valuable service across a wide spectrum of useful activities. The order comprises five classes of awards, divided into civil and military divisions, with the senior two granting titular knighthoods or damehoods.

Rewarding Contribution

The order was instituted to acknowledge individuals who rendered significant service to the Empire. It aimed to fill gaps in the existing honours system, which primarily recognized military leaders and high-ranking officials. The order ensures that contributions from diverse fields and levels of society are recognized.

Global Reach

While originating in the United Kingdom, the Order of the British Empire continues to be awarded by several Commonwealth realms. Honorary awards are also made to citizens of other nations, reflecting the order's enduring international recognition for significant achievements.

The Five Classes

Knights & Dames Grand Cross (GBE)

The highest grade, entitling male recipients to be addressed as 'Sir' and female recipients as 'Dame'. This honour is reserved for individuals who have made exceptionally distinguished national or international contributions.

Knights & Dames Commander (KBE/DBE)

The second-highest grade, also granting the title of 'Sir' or 'Dame'. This class recognizes significant achievements and contributions at a national or regional level.

Commander (CBE)

Awarded for prominent national or regional achievements. Recipients use the post-nominal letters CBE but do not receive a title or knighthood.

Officer (OBE)

Recognizes significant achievement or contribution to the community. Recipients use the post-nominal letters OBE.

Member (MBE)

Awarded for outstanding achievement or service to the community. Recipients use the post-nominal letters MBE.

British Empire Medal (BEM)

While not a membership class, the BEM is awarded for meritorious service or gallantry, granting recipients affiliation with the Order. It was revived in 2012.

Historical Evolution

Founding and Early Years

Established by King George V in 1917, the order initially focused on recognizing service during World War I. It was designed to be more inclusive than existing orders, acknowledging a broader range of contributions. A Military Division was added in 1918.

Reforms and Changes

The order's statutes were amended over time, including changes to insignia designs in 1937 and the introduction of numerical limits for appointments. The British Empire Medal (BEM) was introduced, later renamed, and then revived. Reforms in 1993 aimed to broaden recognition, particularly for voluntary service.

Commonwealth Adaptation

As Commonwealth realms developed their own honours systems, their recommendations for the Order of the British Empire gradually decreased. However, several nations continue to make appointments, maintaining the order's connection across the Commonwealth.

Structure and Officers

Sovereign and Grand Master

The reigning British monarch serves as the Sovereign of the Order. The position of Grand Master, traditionally held by an exalted personage, is currently filled by Queen Camilla.

Official Roles

The Order is administered by several officers, including the Prelate (Bishop of London), Dean (Dean of St Paul's), Secretary, Registrar, King of Arms, and Lady Usher of the Purple Rod. These roles ensure the order's administration and ceremonial functions.

Membership Limits

The senior grades (GBE, KBE/DBE, CBE) have numerical limits to maintain exclusivity. While there are no strict limits on OBE and MBE appointments, annual quotas ensure balanced distribution across various categories of service.

Insignia and Regalia

The Badge

The badge features a cross patonce with a central medallion. The obverse displays a crowned effigy of the reigning monarch and their consort, surrounded by the Order's motto: 'For God and the Empire'. The reverse bears the Royal Cypher. Designs vary slightly by class and division.

Ribands and Stars

The riband is rose-pink with pearl-grey edges (with a central stripe for military awards). Knights and Dames Grand Cross wear it as a sash. Stars, worn on the left breast, differ in complexity based on the grade, with GBE and KBE/DBE recipients wearing more elaborate versions.

Mantles and Collars

Knights and Dames Grand Cross are entitled to wear ceremonial mantles (rose-pink satin lined with pearl-grey silk) and collars, typically reserved for significant state occasions and installations.

The Order's Chapel

St. Paul's Cathedral

The Chapel of the Order of the British Empire is located within the crypt of St. Paul's Cathedral in London. Dedicated in 1960, it serves as a spiritual centre for the Order. Major services and installations for new Knights and Dames Grand Cross are now held in the cathedral's nave.

Order of Precedence

Ranking and Titles

Members are assigned positions within the UK's order of precedence. Knights and Dames Grand Cross, and Knights and Dames Commander, prefix 'Sir' or 'Dame' to their names. Post-nominal letters (GBE, KBE, DBE, CBE, OBE, MBE, BEM) denote membership.

Family Privileges

Wives of male recipients of all classes, and the children and daughters-in-law of Knights Grand Cross and Knights Commander, may be afforded certain privileges or positions in the order of precedence, though these are not formal titles.

Heraldic Display

Knights and Dames Grand Cross may display the Order's circlet and badge around their coats of arms. Other senior grades may display the circlet, signifying their rank within the chivalric order.

Commonwealth Recognition

Continued Awards

Several Commonwealth realms continue to make recommendations for appointments to the Order of the British Empire. As of 2024, these include Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Belize, Cook Islands, Grenada, Papua New Guinea, Saint Christopher and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Solomon Islands.

Honorary Appointments

International Recognition

Honorary awards are made to citizens of countries where the British monarch is not the head of state. These recipients use the post-nominal letters but do not receive the title 'Sir' or 'Dame'. Such appointments can be converted to substantive ones if the recipient later becomes a citizen of a Commonwealth realm.

Gallantry Awards

Service and Bravery

While primarily for meritorious service, the Order has also recognized acts of gallantry. From 1958 to 1974, awards for gallantry were designated with a silver oak-leaf emblem on the riband. These awards were replaced by the Queen's Gallantry Medal (QGM) in 1974.

Declining Honours

Notable Refusals

Throughout its history, several prominent figures have declined honours from the Order of the British Empire. Reasons range from political protest (e.g., Benjamin Zephaniah, John Lennon) to a desire to avoid association with the honours system itself (e.g., C.S. Lewis, David Bowie, John Oliver). Some individuals have also had their honours forfeited or returned.

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References

It is commonly written without "of the Most Excellent Order" and other words not implied by the post-nominals.

Use of the BEM continued elsewhere in the Commonwealth; in the UK the BEM (civil) was restored to use 2012.

Never surnames â thus Sir Antony Sher may be shortened to Sir Antony, but not to Sir Sher.

Quote is "thousands of years", though initial attempts at starting an overseas British Empire only date back to British Empire#Origins (1497â1583)

"Honours system outdated, say MPs", BBC News, 13 July 2004, Retrieved 28 February 2007

A reformed Honours system, Select Committee on Public Administration, 7 July 2004, Retrieved 13 May 2012

A full list of references for this article are available at the Order of the British Empire Wikipedia page

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Important Disclaimer

Information Accuracy

This content has been generated by an AI based on publicly available data. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and adherence to the source material, it is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The information may not be entirely complete, up-to-date, or free from error.

This is not official advice. This page does not constitute professional advice regarding honours, awards, or any related matters. Always consult official sources and relevant authorities for definitive information.

The creators are not responsible for any actions taken based on the information presented herein.

Imperial Honours: The Order of the British Empire

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Order Overview ℹ️

🎖️ A Foundation of Service

📜 Rewarding Contribution

🌍 Global Reach

The Five Classes 🎖️

👑 Knights & Dames Grand Cross (GBE)

🌟 Knights & Dames Commander (KBE/DBE)

🎗️ Commander (CBE)

🏅 Officer (OBE)

⭐ Member (MBE)

⭐ British Empire Medal (BEM)

Historical Evolution 📜

📅 Founding and Early Years

🔄 Reforms and Changes

🌐 Commonwealth Adaptation

Structure and Officers 🏛️

👑 Sovereign and Grand Master

🧑‍⚖️ Official Roles

🔢 Membership Limits

Insignia and Regalia 🏅

✨ The Badge

🎀 Ribands and Stars

🧥 Mantles and Collars

The Order's Chapel ⛪

🏛️ St. Paul's Cathedral

Order of Precedence ⚖️

⬆️ Ranking and Titles

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Privileges

🛡️ Heraldic Display

Commonwealth Recognition 🌐

🗺️ Continued Awards

Honorary Appointments ✨

🌍 International Recognition

Gallantry Awards 🛡️

🎖️ Service and Bravery

Declining Honours 🚫

🤔 Notable Refusals

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

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❓ Test Your Knowledge! ❓

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References

📜 References

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Important Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Information Accuracy

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Order Overview

A Foundation of Service

Rewarding Contribution

Global Reach

The Five Classes

Knights & Dames Grand Cross (GBE)

Knights & Dames Commander (KBE/DBE)

Commander (CBE)

Officer (OBE)

Member (MBE)

British Empire Medal (BEM)

Historical Evolution

Founding and Early Years

Reforms and Changes

Commonwealth Adaptation

Structure and Officers

Sovereign and Grand Master

Official Roles

Membership Limits

Insignia and Regalia

The Badge

Ribands and Stars

Mantles and Collars

The Order's Chapel

St. Paul's Cathedral

Order of Precedence

Ranking and Titles

Family Privileges

Heraldic Display

Commonwealth Recognition

Continued Awards

Honorary Appointments

International Recognition

Gallantry Awards

Service and Bravery

Declining Honours

Notable Refusals

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Important Disclaimer

Information Accuracy