What is an OBE and what does it stand for?
MANY well-known faces have been awarded an OBE over the years, with David Beckham, JK Rowling and Idris Elba all being given the title.
The prestigious honours are usually given out at Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle or the Palace of Holyroodhouse, by a Member of the Royal Family.
What is an OBE?
An OBE is a British honour awarded by the King.
The honour recognises extraordinary contributions to the country and the impact of the individual being awarded’s work, either locally or nationally.
An OBE is the second-highest ranking in the Order of the British Empire honours.
It ranks just after the CBE (Commander) and sits above the MBE (Member).
The Orders of the British Empire were created by King George V during World War One in 1917 to honour the efforts of civilians and servicemen in non-combat roles.
They are now awarded to civilians twice a year – at New Year and on the King’s official birthday.
King Charles‘ first Honours List was published by the Cabinet Office in New Year 2023.
The honours were previously awarded by Queen Elizabeth II before her death in September 2022.
What does OBE stand for?
OBE stands for Officer of the Order of the British Empire.
The OBE is generally given to people who have made a major contribution to their line of work, or whose work has gained national prominence.
Celebrities who have been awarded the honour over the years include actors Eddie Redmyane and Liam Neeson, television presenter Lorraine Kelly and fashion designer Victoria Beckham.
What does an OBE entitle you to?
The OBE does not bestow any special legal entitlement or power.
Recipients are, however, entitled to put the letters OBE after their name and enjoy the prestige and possible raised profile this brings.
Those awarded the honour are also entitled to attend an investiture ceremony within six months of receiving the honour.
Here they will formally receive their insignia from the King or another senior royal, such as Princess Anne or Prince William.
How do you address an OBE?
The OBE is known as a “post nominal” award.
This means it does not carry a title like Sir or Dame which should be used in front of the name.
This is reserved for those who are appointed Knights or Dames.
Those with an OBE should be addressed like any other person.
Can you nominate someone for an OBE?
Anyone can nominate anyone for an OBE by visiting the Cabinet Office website and filling in an application form.
Every nomination is different, but it’s important that you tell the story of what your candidate has done that is extraordinary should you wish them to be considered.
In your nomination, you must describe your candidate’s achievements, show what impact they had, demonstrate how they made a difference, describe what obstacles they have overcome and demonstrate how they have gone the extra mile.
People cannot nominates themselves and those filling out an application for nomination cannot choose what type of award a person is nominated for.
This will be determined during the selection process after the application is submitted to the Honours and Appointments Secretariat.
A special committee then decides who gets the honours and what type they will receive.
These decisions then go to the Prime Minister before the King has the final say.
Can non-British citizens get an OBE?
To receive an OBE, you must be a British national or a citizen of the Commonwealth countries.
There are 15 Commonwealth realms as of 2023.
These are Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, The Bahamas, Belize, Canada, Grenada, Jamaica, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, and the United Kingdom
The King may, however, grant an honorary award such as the OBE to foreign nationals.
These are nominated by the Foreign Office, which has responsibility for the Diplomatic Service and Overseas List.