The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is a UK Order of chivalry. It is the lowest of the UK's six Orders of Chivalry. This order had the highest number of living member, as it is the one most commonly given.
The Order of the British Empire was established by King George V in 1917 to honour those who had served in a non-combative role.
Sovereign: King Charles III
Grand Master: Vacant
Grades
There are 5 grade across both military and civilian divisions, from highest to lowest:- Knight Grand Cross or Dame Grand Cross (GBE)
- Entitled to use "Sir" or "Dame" unless a foreign citizen
- Knight Commander or Dame Commander (KBE or DBE)
- Entitled to use "Sir" or "Dame" unless a foreign citizen
- Commande (CBE)
- Officer (OBE)
- Member (MBE)
Which grade a person receives is based on many factors:
- The level of contribution in the field of activity (I.e. noteworthy to. Top of their Field)
- Geographical levels (I.e. local to national)
- etc.
If it possible for someone to receive a lower grade and then be upgraded later.
Given for?
The award is given for "contributions to the arts and sciences, work with charitable and welfare organisations, and public service outside the civil service." Who is given the honor is decided by the UK Government's Honor's Committee. The Honor is formally given by the King in his role as Head of State.
The honor is given to both military personnel and civilians. There are no restrictions on how can receive the honor. Except that, Foreign Citizens can only be given the honor in honorary form.
Royals?
Working Royals don't tend to receive this honor, as they are usually given a higher honor. Extended Members of the British Royal Family have received this honor before, including:
- Zara Tindall (then Zara Phillips) - Received MBE as part of the 2007 New Year's Honors for services to Equestrianism as "Individual Three-Day Event World Champion" after winning gold in 2006 FEI World Equestrian Games.
- Mike Tindall (Pre-marriage into Royal Family) - Received MBE as part of the 2004 New Year's Honors for Services to Rugby Union. Mike received this honor after his team won the 2003 Six Nations Championship along with other members of the team.
Insignia
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| The Men's Insignia for the Grades of the Order of the British Empire Skukifish, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons |
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| Robert Prummel, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons |
The Civilian and Military Honors are the same except the military honors have a white stripe down the center of the ribbon.
- Mantle
- Worn by GBE
- Usually just worn during Service of Thanksgiving for the Order
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| Nicholas Jackson, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons |
- Collar
- Worn by GBE
- Only worn on Collar Days
- Returned after death
- Star
- Worn by GBE, KBE & DBE
- Badge
- Sash & Badge
- Worn by GBE
- Neck Badge
- Worn by KBE & Male CBE
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| Neck Badge Military Ribbion |
- Ribbon
- Worn by Male OBE & MBE
- Bow
- Worn by Female OBE & MBE
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| Women's MBE Paul Gardner, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons |
- Lapel Pin/Rosette
- The same lapel pin is used by all ranks and was introduced in 2006. Lapel pins must be purchased separately by a member of the order.
Chapel
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| Chapel within St. Paul's Cathedral Photo by CEphoto, Uwe Aranas |
Order of the British Empire's Chapel is located within St Paul’s Cathedral. Members and Medallists can request use of the Chapel for weddings, baptisms and memorial services. A Service of Thanksgiving is held at the Cathedral for Members and Medallists every four years.
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