The Queen’s Honours List

The honours system recognises long-term service to the nation in the fields of charity, industry, the professions, entertainment, sport or science; or for gallantry, usually in the Armed Forces; or for careers in the Civil Service or governing bodies. It has grown both in numbers and scope over the centuries, to the point where there are currently 14 investiture ceremonies per year for up to 135 recipients per ceremony.

Monarchs used to hand out land and money as rewards for loyalty, but, particularly in the 15th century, different types of peerage were instituted and their conferral gradually became a more practical, less expensive thank-you. Since the Life Peerages Act of 1958 the award of a peerage outside of the Royal Family has been restricted to the rank of Baron, the lowest in the peerage hierarchy, and it is not hereditary.

By far the most honours are in the category of the Order of the British Empire, of which the MBE is the most commonly used. The Knights Bachelor designation is also well populated, with around 3,000 ‘Sirs’ and ‘Dames’ at present. The announcement of awardees takes place twice a year ~ in the New Year’s Honours List and the Queen’s Birthday Honours List in June.

(Image of MBE medal: (Mick Baker)rooster at Flickr.com / CC BY-ND 2.0)