Order of the British Empire
The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is a prestigious order of chivalry established in 1917 by King George V. Designed to recognize prominent national or regional achievements, the order was created to fill critical gaps in the British honours system, extending recognition beyond high-ranking royals, statesmen, and senior military officers to a broader range of citizens.
Today, the order remains active, with King Charles III serving as the Sovereign and Queen Camilla as the Grand Master. It is awarded across various fields, including the arts, science, health, education, sport, and voluntary community service.
Key Facts
- Established: 1917 by King George V.
- Motto: "For God and the Empire".
- Sovereign: King Charles III.
- Grand Master: Queen Camilla.
- Structure: Comprises five main classes and the British Empire Medal (BEM).
- Scope: Awarded by the Monarch of the Commonwealth Realms.
The Hierarchy of the Order
The Order of the British Empire is structured into six distinct levels of appointment. While the higher ranks have strict limits on the number of living members, the lower classes are more flexible, though they still maintain annual appointment caps.
Classes of Appointment
- Knight Grand Cross or Dame Grand Cross (GBE): The highest rank, limited to 300 members.
- Knight Commander or Dame Commander (KBE/DBE): Limited to 845 members.
- Commander (CBE): Limited to 8,960 members.
- Officer (OBE): No total limit, but capped at 858 appointments per year.
- Member (MBE): No total limit, but capped at 1,464 appointments per year.
- British Empire Medal (BEM): A medal awarded for meritorious service.
Despite having over 100,000 living members worldwide, the order is known for having fewer knighthoods relative to its total size compared to other British orders of chivalry.
| Grade | Post-nominal | Membership Limit | Annual Cap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Knight/Dame Grand Cross | GBE | 300 | N/A |
| Knight/Dame Commander | KBE/DBE | 845 | N/A |
| Commander | CBE | 8,960 | N/A |
| Officer | OBE | Unlimited | 858 |
| Member | MBE | Unlimited | 1,464 |
Historical Evolution
The order was founded to complement existing honours like the Order of the Garter and the Order of the Bath, which were reserved for the elite. Over time, the system evolved to reflect changing social and political landscapes.
In 1922, a distinction was made for the Medal of the Order between "gallantry" and "meritorious service." Those awarded for gallantry eventually used the postnominal EGM (Empire Gallantry Medal) until 1940, when these were replaced by the more prestigious George Cross. The meritorious service medal was renamed the British Empire Medal (BEM) in 1941.
The insignia underwent a major redesign in 1937 to commemorate the reign of King George V and Queen Mary. The central figure of Britannia was replaced by the crowned heads of the late King and Queen. Additionally, the ribbon color changed from purple to rose-pink with pearl-grey edges, a preference of Queen Mary.
Commonwealth Integration and Transition
Originally, all nominations were made by UK ministers. By the early 1940s, overseas dominions like Canada and South Africa began making their own nominations. However, as Commonwealth nations established their own independent honours systems, the use of the Order of the British Empire declined. For example, Canada ceased recommendations in 1966, and Australia stopped in 1992.
Insignia and Symbols
The physical awards vary by rank and division (Civil or Military). The military division is distinguished by a vertical pearl-grey stripe in the center of the rose-pink ribbon.
Badges and Ribands
Recipients wear their awards based on rank and gender. Knights and Dames Grand Cross wear a broad riband (sash) from the right shoulder to the left hip. Knights Commander and male Commanders wear the badge around the neck, while male Officers and Members wear it on the left chest. Female recipients typically wear a bow on the left shoulder.
Gallantry Emblems
Between 1958 and 1974, individuals awarded the order for gallantry wore an emblem of two crossed silver oak leaves on their ribbon. This was replaced by the Queen's Gallantry Medal (QGM) in 1974.
The Order's Administration
The order is supported by several key officers, including the Dean of St Paul's (ex officio) and the Secretary of the Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood. St Paul's Cathedral serves as the official church of the order, with a dedicated chapel located in the crypt.
Notable Recipients and Refusals
While many embrace the honor, some have famously declined or returned it. The author C.S. Lewis declined the honor in 1951 to avoid political associations. The Beatles were appointed Members (MBE) in 1965; however, John Lennon returned his insignia in 1969 as part of his peace protests.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Civil and Military divisions?
The primary difference is the insignia; the military division's ribbon includes a central pearl-grey stripe, whereas the civil division's ribbon does not.
Who is the current Grand Master of the Order?
The current Grand Master is Queen Camilla, who took office on April 23, 2024.
Can the Order of the British Empire be awarded posthumously?
The source specifies that the gallantry emblem (used between 1958 and 1974) could not be awarded posthumously.
Which Commonwealth countries still recommend appointments?
Countries including Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Belize, Grenada, Papua New Guinea, and several others continue to make recommendations for the order.
What happened to the Empire Gallantry Medal?
Awards of the EGM ceased in 1940, and holders were instructed to exchange their medals for the George Cross.