What are the different King’s Birthday Honours – and what do they mean?

What are the different King’s Birthday Honours – and what do they mean? - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments Special honours are given to people who make outstanding contributions to their community and the country, with the King’s Birthday Honours acknowledging 1,182 recipients from every part of the UK. They range from politicians, musicians and actors to senior diplomats and elite sports stars. The release of the King’s Birthday Honours provides an opportunity to celebrate individual outstanding achievements and contributions to British society. Here are the ranks in descending order and some of the people being honoured: Companions of Honour (CH) The Order of the Companions of Honour was founded on 4 June 1917 by George V and is limited to 65 members at any one time. Appointments go to those who have made a long-standing contribution to arts, science, medicine or government, and actress Dame Helen Mirren and renowned photographer Sir Don McCullin are included this time. Dame and Knights Grand Cross A Dame or Knight Grand Cross is the highest rank in many of the Orders, with Sir Jon Cunliffe, chairman of the Independent Water Commission, made Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire (GBE) and Professor Dame Parveen June Kumar also recognised for services to global medical education and health. Order of the Bath (GCB/KCB/DCB/CB) This recognises the work of senior military officials and civil servants. Simon Burton, who retired in April as the 65th Clerk of the Parliaments, the most senior position in the House of Lords, is made KCB and senior civil servant Susanna McGibbon becomes DCB. Order of St Michael and St George (GCMG/KCMG/DCMG/CMG) This recognises service in a foreign country or in relation to foreign and Commonwealth affairs, such as the work of diplomats overseas. Knights and Dames Commander of the Order of the British Empire (KBE/DBE) These are usually bestowed on people who have made a major contribution at national level, who can use the titles dame and sir. On this year’s main list, there are 17 damehoods, including writers Julia Donaldson and Malorie Blackman, Labour MP and Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP) chairwoman Jessica Morden and former Merseyside chief constable Serena Kennedy. Knights Bachelor According to the Cabinet Office, the Imperial Society of Knights Bachelor does not constitute a royal order. Rather, it is an appointment for men only, which originates from the medieval period. Recipients can use the title sir but do not have post-nominal letters as in other orders. There is also no direct equivalent appointment for women. Rugby league player and coach and charity fundraiser Kevin Sinfield and Aardman Animation co-founders Peter Lord and David Sproxton are among the 14 men knighted. Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) People are recognised with this honour if they have a prominent but lesser role at national level or a leading role at regional level. It also goes to those who make a distinguished, innovative contribution to any area, and there are 90 this time. Film composer Patrick Doyle, conductor Paul McCreesh and 87-year-old rugby league player and coach Neil Fox were all made CBEs. Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) People are made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire if they have a major local role in any activity, including people whose work has made them known nationally. Among the 240 honoured in this way in the latest list are broadcaster and former Catatonia singer Cerys Matthews, Jimmy Choo designer Sandra Choi and DJ Carl Cox. Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) This rank recognises outstanding achievements or service to the community with a significant long-term impact. Those made Members of the Order of the British Empire in the latest list of 501 include Euros winning Lionesses Chloe Kelly, Michelle Agyemang, Hannah Hampton, Alessia Russo, Lauren James and Jess Carter. British Empire Medal (BEM) The BEM was reintroduced in 2012 by then-prime minister David Cameron as part of his bid to make the honours system “classless”, saying too few people making a difference in their areas were made MBEs. The medal goes to 306 people in the King’s Birthday Honours. Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Comments