SPECIAL honours such as an OBE, MBE, CBE and knighthood are given to recognise people’s amazing achievements and service.

But what is the difference between them? Here’s everything you need to know.

Sir Dr. Brian May was made a Knight Bachelor by King Charles III at Buckingham Palace

What’s the difference between an MBE, OBE and CBE?

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

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

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

Started in 1917 by George V, to reward outstanding contribution to the war effort, this Order now rewards people from all walks of life with well known honours.

They include (in order of precedence):

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

The two senior ranks of the Order of the British Empire are Knight or Dame Grand Cross, and Knight or Dame Commander. Both of these ranks entitle their members to use the title of Sir for men and Dame for women before their forename.
This honour is awarded to those who have made major contributions to any activity, usually at a national level. Knighthoods and damehoods are traditionally presented with a touch of a sword by the King.

Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE):

This is awarded for having a prominent but lesser role at a national level, or a leading role at a regional level. You can also get one for a distinguished, innovative contribution to any area.

Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE):

This is awarded for having a major local role in any activity, including people whose work has made them known nationally in their chosen area.

Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE):

Awarded for an outstanding achievement or service to the community. This will have a long-term, significant impact and stand out as an example to others.

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.

TV favourite Davina McCall and Line of Duty star Vicky McClure were both made MBEs along with broadcaster Ken Bruce, former England Lioness Eniola Aluko, and Leicester City and ex-Manchester United defender Jonny Evans.

The list of 1,171 recipients also included 59-year-old footballer-turned-pundit, Ian Wright, who was made an OBE for services to football and charity.

British honour recipients are officially announced in The Gazette.

Most honours are awarded on the advice of the Cabinet Office, and anybody can make a recommendation if they know someone they believe to be worthy, but they must still be actively involved in what you’re nominating them for.

Can women be knighted?

Instead of being knighted, women instead are awarded a Damehood.

A Knighthood or a Damehood is one of the highest honours an individual in the United Kingdom can achieve.

The title Dame as the female equivalent to a Knight wasn’t introduced until 1917.

The Gazette states: “The two senior ranks of the Order of the British Empire are Knight or Dame Grand Cross, and Knight or Dame Commander.

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

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 – which is used instead of the male title Sir.

What is the Order of the British Empire?

The British honours system actually 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 usual people.

In particular, George V wished to create an order to honour the many thousands of those who had served in a variety of non-combat roles during the First World War.

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

The Government previously considered changing the name to the Order of British Excellence, but on December 29, 2020, said that “empire” will not be replaced.

Helen Ewen, head of the Honours Secretariat, said: “There are no plans currently to make changes.”

What does an MBE, OBE or CBE entitle you to?

Being awarded a Royal Honour carries many benefits.

Anyone selected for an honour will be invited to attend an “investiture” ceremony at a royal residence where the King, or sometimes Prince William, Princess Anne, or Prince Edward will award them with their insignia – a medal – of the order.

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

Members can also have a special element added to their coat of arms showing their membership of the order.

Has anyone ever refused an honour?

There have been multiple instances when a celebrity or a scientist have rejected the honours for political or personal reasons.

Some of the names include David Bowie, who turned down an CBE in Queen Elizabeth’s birthday honours in 2000.

Stars to decline OBEs include celebrity cook  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, sending back his MBE in 1969 in protest against Britain’s involvement in the Nigerian civil war.

Stephen Hawking also declined his honours in the 1990s due to Governments dealing with science funding and cuts.