Companion of Honour

Companion of Honour

Companion of Honour is a prestigious honour bestowed by the British monarchy to individuals who have made a major contribution to the arts, science, medicine, or government lasting over a long period of time. Established in 1917 by King George V, the honour recognizes service of national importance. It is one of the many honours in the United Kingdom honours system, but unlike many others, it focuses on lifetime achievement rather than specific acts of bravery or service to the Crown in a governmental capacity.

History

The order was founded on 4 June 1917 by King George V as part of an expansion of the British honours system in the wake of the First World War. The intention was to create an award that could recognize contributions to the war effort by civilians and military personnel in a way that was not specifically tied to combat or public service. Over time, the scope of the award has broadened to include significant contributions in various fields.

Criteria

Membership in the order is limited to the sovereign, the Prince of Wales, and no more than 65 members. However, foreign nationals can be admitted as honorary members. Recommendations for appointments are made by the Prime Minister to the Queen, who then confers the honour. The criteria for appointment focus on the significance and lasting impact of an individual's contribution to their field or to society at large.

Insignia

The insignia of the Companion of Honour consists of an oval medallion with an oak wreath surrounding the royal crest of the United Kingdom. The motto of the order is "In Action Faithful and in Honour Clear". Members are entitled to use the post-nominal letters CH after their names.

Notable Members

Over the years, the Companion of Honour has been awarded to a diverse group of individuals, including scientists like Stephen Hawking, artists like David Hockney, and politicians like Winston Churchill. The honour is not limited to British citizens, and notable international members have included South African leader Nelson Mandela and American singer and songwriter Bob Dylan.

Controversies and Criticisms

While the Companion of Honour is seen as a recognition of significant achievement, like many honours, it has not been without its controversies. Some have criticized the honours system as being too opaque or reflective of the political priorities of the government of the day rather than purely meritocratic. Others have declined the honour, citing objections to the concept of monarchy or the honours system in general.

Conclusion

The Companion of Honour remains one of the highest recognitions for lifetime achievement in the United Kingdom and beyond. Its recipients, limited in number, represent the pinnacle of achievement in their respective fields, having contributed significantly to the cultural, scientific, or political life of the nation or the world.