An Insight into the King’s Birthday Honours
The King’s Birthday Honours have long been a celebrated tradition in the UK, recognising the contributions of individuals from all walks of life. From renowned celebrities to unsung local heroes, these honours highlight significant achievements in public life and services to the nation. But how exactly does this honours system work, and who decides who gets an award?
In the most recent 2024 King’s Birthday Honours, notable recipients include actor Imelda Staunton, who was made a Dame for her contribution to the arts, and Post Office campaigner Alan Bates, who was knighted for his efforts in exposing the Horizon scandal. These are just two examples of the many individuals celebrated for their dedication and service.
When Are Honours Awarded?
Honours are typically awarded twice a year – on New Year’s Day and on the official birthday of the monarch, which is celebrated in June. However, there are other occasions, such as when Parliament dissolves or a Prime Minister resigns, where special honours may be granted.
In the 2024 New Year Honours list, several prominent figures were also recognised. These included bestselling writer Jilly Cooper, who was made a Dame, and Tim Martin, the founder of JD Wetherspoon, who received a knighthood. Honours are not limited to public figures; ordinary citizens who have made significant contributions to their communities are equally acknowledged.
Types of Honours Given
The honours system in the UK is vast and varied, with awards ranging from knighthoods and damehoods to the more accessible MBEs and OBEs. The highest honours, such as knighthood (for men) or damehood (for women), are given for exceptional achievements in any field of activity. Individuals receiving these titles are often leaders in their industry, pioneers of change, or individuals who have made a lasting impact on British society.
For instance, former rugby league players Rob Burrow and Kevin Sinfield received CBEs for their work raising awareness of motor neurone disease, while England women’s football captain Millie Bright was awarded an OBE. These honours reflect the diversity of contributions to society, whether through sports, the arts, or community work.
Additionally, honours like the British Empire Medal (BEM) are awarded to those who have made meritorious contributions but may not have the same level of public recognition. British Empire Medals are typically presented by Lord-Lieutenants, who represent the King in their local area, further demonstrating the inclusive and localised nature of these awards.
How Are People Chosen for Honours?
The process of choosing who receives an honour is a meticulous one. The King awards these honours based on recommendations from the Prime Minister or senior government ministers. A portion of the nominations also comes directly from the public, where individuals can recommend someone for an honour. These public nominations make up about a quarter of the recommendations each year, ensuring that local heroes, who may not have a national profile, are also celebrated.
Honours are given to those who have made significant achievements in public life or dedicated themselves to helping others. The goal is to reflect the nation’s gratitude to those who have gone above and beyond in their work or community service.
However, political honours, such as those given during dissolution or resignation of Parliament, follow a different path. These honours are decided by the Prime Minister without the same levels of public scrutiny or nomination.
The Vetting Process
Once an individual has been nominated for an honour, their background is rigorously vetted by the Honours and Appointments Secretariat, which is part of the Cabinet Office. This process includes checking financial and criminal records, often through agencies like HMRC. Peerages, meanwhile, are subject to scrutiny by the House of Lords Appointments Commission.
In recent years, there has been criticism surrounding the perceived favouritism in the honours system, particularly for political figures. For example, Boris Johnson’s resignation honours were a controversial list, as it contained names rejected by the House of Lords Appointments Commission. Similarly, Liz Truss’s honours list was criticised for rewarding political allies despite her short tenure as Prime Minister.
There is also increased scrutiny regarding the role of political donations in the process, with accusations that some individuals have been honoured for financial support to political parties rather than for public service.
Can Honours Be Revoked?
Not all honours are permanent. There is a system in place for revoking honours when necessary. The Honours Forfeiture Committee handles cases where individuals’ conduct no longer reflects the values for which they were honoured. Rolf Harris and Anthony Blunt, both convicted of criminal activity, had their honours rescinded.
More recently, Paula Vennells, former Post Office boss involved in the Horizon scandal, voluntarily returned her CBE following public outcry and mounting pressure. Actor Alan Cumming also returned his OBE in 2023, citing the “toxicity” of the British Empire as his reason for no longer wanting to be associated with the award.
What Are the Different Types of Honours?
The honours system includes several orders of chivalry and medals, each with its own historical background and criteria. For instance, the Order of the Bath is awarded for distinguished military and civil service, while the Order of St Michael and St George is specifically for services abroad and within the Commonwealth.
The more widely known Order of the British Empire includes three ranks: Commander (CBE), Officer (OBE), and Member (MBE), with each awarded for varying degrees of contribution to public life. MBEs are the most common and accessible honour, often given to local heroes or those making notable contributions in their field.
Another noteworthy distinction is the Royal Victorian Order, a personal award given by the monarch for services to the Royal Family. It was established by Queen Victoria in 1896 and remains one of the few honours given entirely at the discretion of the sovereign, without government input.
The Royal Red Cross, founded in 1883, is an honour specifically for members of the nursing profession, while the King’s Gallantry Medal and King’s Commendation for Bravery are civilian awards for acts of extreme courage.
Can You Turn Down an Honour?
While many recipients are proud of their recognition, there is a history of individuals declining honours. For instance, authors like Roald Dahl and JG Ballard refused to accept, as did artists like Lucien Freud and LS Lowry. The late poet Benjamin Zephaniah famously rejected an OBE in 2003, stating that it would be “hypocritical” to accept an award associated with the British Empire, given its historical involvement in slavery and colonialism.
Others, including musician David Bowie, and celebrity chefs Nigella Lawson and Dawn French, have also reportedly declined honours for personal or political reasons. The rejection of honours is not uncommon and reflects the varied opinions on the British Empire and the role of the monarchy in public life.
A Storied Tradition
The UK’s honours system is a deep-rooted tradition, reflecting the nation’s gratitude to those who have gone above and beyond in their contributions to society. Whether through public service, cultural achievements, or acts of bravery, the honours list celebrates a wide range of accomplishments. Though not without controversy, the system continues to evolve and remains a cornerstone of British life, showcasing the value placed on recognising individuals from all walks of life.
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