What is the difference between an MBE, CBE, OBE and a knighthood?

HONOURS including the OBE, MBE, CBE and knighthood are given to recognise the amazing achievements and service of individuals in Great Britain.

Here’s everything you need to know about the honours, and the differences between them.

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

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

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

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

Today, this Order rewards people from all walks of life with well-known honours, but it was started in 1917 by George V, to reward outstanding contributions to the war effort.

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, in the  Arts, Sciences, Charitable work or Public Service, 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):

• A CBE is awarded for those with a prominent but lesser role at a national level, or a leading role at a regional level. You can also be awarded 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 actor Vicky McClure were awarded MBEs along with broadcaster Ken Bruce, former footballer and England Lioness Eniola Aluko, and Leicester City and ex-Manchester United defender Jonny Evans.

The list of 1,171 total honours recipients included the Arsenal legend Ian Wright, who was made an OBE in recognition of his services to football and charity.

British honour recipients are officially announced in the royal newspaper The Gazette.

Honours are largely awarded following the advice of the Cabinet Office, and anybody may make a recommendation if they know someone they believe to be worthy, but the individual must be actively involved in what they are being nominated for.

Can women be knighted?

Women instead are awarded a Damehood, rather than a knighthood.

A Knighthood or a Damehood is one of the highest honours a person in the United Kingdom can be awarded.

The title Dame, as an equivalent to Knight, was introduced in 1917.

According to The Gazette: “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, used instead of the male title Sir.

What is the Order of the British Empire?

The British honours system 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 people.

Particularly, George V hoped to create a way to honour the thousands of people who had served in non-combat roles during the First World War.

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

The Government has considered changing the name to the Order of British Excellence, but in 2020 said that “empire” would 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 brings many benefits.

Anyone selected for an honour will be invited to attend an investiture ceremony at a royal residence where the King, or stand-ins Prince William, Princess Anne, or Prince Edward will award the medal, an insignia of the order.

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

Has anyone ever refused an honour?

On a few occasions, recipients have rejected the honours for political or personal reasons.

Among this number is David Bowie, who turned down a CBE that was awarded to him in Queen Elizabeth‘s birthday honours list in 2000.

Other stars who have declined OBEs include television cook and writer 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 after having accepted it initially, sending back his MBE in 1969 in protest against Britain’s involvement in the Nigerian civil war.

Stephen Hawking also turned down his honour in the 1990s in protest of the Government’s cuts to science funding.