How does the UK honours system work?

Most awards in the United Kingdom are given on the monarch’s official birthday in June and at the new year.

They celebrate the contributions of public figures, government employees, and ordinary people who serve their communities.

Actor Idris Elba was knighted Olympic gold medalist figure skaters Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean were made dames and knights, respectively, for their charity work for young people at the 2026 New Year’s Pride Ceremony.

In football, England’s Lionesses were recognized after winning back-to-back UEFA Women’s Championships, with Dutch national coach Sabrina Wiegman being given the honorary title of dame; and captain Leah Williamson was appointed CBE. Ella Toone, Keira Walsh, Alex Greenwood and Georgia Stanway were also awarded.

Comedian, actress and writer Meera Syal has been declared a woman, while Wicked star Cynthia Erivo has also been appointed an MBE.

2025 King’s Birthday Honors In June, knighthoods were awarded to former England football captain David Beckham, actor Gary Oldman and musician Roger Daltrey; Writer Pat Barker and singer Elaine Page were declared women.

Strictly Come Dancing presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman They were appointed OBEs, while reality TV star Georgia Harrison became an MBE for her work on online privacy.

Termination honors It is usually given to politicians when parliament ends before a general election.

Outgoing prime ministers can also give awards resignation honor.

Former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak The names of 36 people were included in the resignation honor list – many of whom were high-profile former Conservative ministers and advisers.

Boris Johnson and Liz Truss have issued their resignation honors certificate as they leave office in 2022.

Johnson’s controversial list It included eight names initially rejected by the body that approves appointments to the House of Lords.

Cage was widely criticized for presenting the honor roll after only 49 days of work on the job.

New year And King’s Birthday honors It is issued by the King on the advice of the Prime Minister or senior government ministers.

members of the public can also recommend people for rewards. These nominations typically account for about a quarter of all recommendations.

The honor rolls include awards given to individuals who:

• achieved significant success in public life
• devoted themselves to serving and aiding Britain

Resignation and termination decisions are decided by the relevant prime minister and do not go through the same process.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is responsible for the Diplomatic Service and Overseas List. Honorary awards given to foreign nationals are recommended by the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Awards are traditionally kept secret until official announcement.

The awards are usually presented by the King, Prince of Wales or Crown Princess at Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle or the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

Buyers can choose the date and location of their investment, but cannot choose which member of the Royal Family will preside over the ceremony.

British Empire Medals are presented locally by lord-lieutenants representing the King.

Some people had their dignity restored by the Dignity Confiscation Committee.

These include: disgraced former entertainer Rolf HarrisAnthony Blunt, the Queen’s former art adviser who was jailed for 12 indecent assaults on four girls and was revealed to be a Soviet spy.

Knights and Ladies

The honor of chivalry comes from the days of medieval chivalry, as does the method used to confer knighthood (praise given by the monarch or the touch of the sword).

A knight is called “Sir” and his wife is called “Lady”.

Women who receive this honor are given the title of “Woman”, but they cannot receive this award.

This honor is given for an outstanding contribution to any field of activity.

The rank of Knight Commander (KBE) or Dame Commander (DBE) of the Order of the British Empire appears on the Diplomatic Service and Overseas list.

Layout of the Bath

The Order of the Bath is an order of chivalry and was founded in 1725 for service of the highest quality.

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 bath that was part of the preparation of candidates for knighthood in ancient times.

Order of St. Michael and St. George

This Order was established by King George III in 1818 and is awarded to British subjects who have rendered outstanding and significant services abroad or in the Commonwealth.

The next ranks are Knight or Dame Grand Cross (GCMG), Knight or Dame Commander (KCMG or DCMG), and Companion (CMG).

Order of the Companions of Honor

This is awarded for service of conspicuous national importance and is limited to 65 people. Buyers have the right to put the initials CH in front of their names.

Orders of the British Empire

King George V created these awards during World War I to recognize service to the war effort by civilians at home and service personnel in support positions.

The ranks are Commander (CBE), Officer (OBE) and Member (MBE).

They are now awarded to those in leading national or regional roles and to those who have made distinguished or notable contributions in their specific field of activity.

British Empire Medal (BEM)

The medal was established in 1917 and is awarded for “meritorious” actions by civilians or military personnel, even if the recipients did not attend a royal ceremony.

BEM, which was scrapped by Conservative Prime Minister John Major in 1993, was revived in 2012.

Royal Victorian Order

By 1896 prime ministers and governments increased their influence over the distribution of rewards and took almost complete control of the system.

In response, Queen Victoria established the Royal Victorian Order as a personal reward for services performed on behalf of the Royal Family.

Ranks are Knight or Dame Grand Cross (GCVO), Knight or Dame Commander (KCVO or DCVO), Commander (CVO), Lieutenant (LVO), and Member (MVO).

Royal Victoria Medal

The Royal Victorian Medal, affiliated with the Royal Victorian Order, has three grades: gold, silver and bronze. The circular medal is added to the Order ribbon.

Royal Red Cross

Established by Queen Victoria in 1883, the award is limited to nursing services. Those awarded First Class are designated “Members” (RRC); Those awarded Second Class are designated “Associates” (ARRC).

King’s Police Medal

Awarded for outstanding service in the police force.

King’s Fire Service Medal

Awarded to firefighters who demonstrate obvious devotion to duty.

King’s Ambulance Service Medal

Awarded for distinguished service in the ambulance service.

King’s Medal of Valor

Awarded to civilians for exemplary acts of bravery.

King’s Commendation for Bravery

Awarded to civilians and all ranks of the British armed forces for actions in the absence of the enemy.

King’s Commendation for Bravery in the Air

Awarded to civilians and all ranks of the British armed forces for acting bravely in the air and not in the presence of the enemy.