Order of the British Empire

Order of the British Empire (Military) Ribbon

Order of the British Empire (Civil) Ribbon

MBE-Cobh-Heritage-Centre-2012

Ster Orde van het Britse Rijk

Mbe Cpt Masterman 05-02-2010

Order of the British Empire for gallantry, oak leaves ribbon emblem

Order of the British Empire is a British order of chivalry, rewarding contributions to the United Kingdom in a variety of fields. The Order was established by King George V in 1917 to fill gaps in the British honours system: primarily to reward services rendered by the vast numbers of people who were not eligible for existing military and civil orders. It is the order of chivalry most likely to be awarded to civilians. Membership in the Order is granted by the reigning monarch of the United Kingdom, currently Charles III, on the advice of the Government.

History

The Order of the British Empire was founded on 4 June 1917 by King George V. The king's intention was to fill the need for a new award to recognize services to the war effort by civilians at home and service members in support positions. The Order originally had five classes in both civil and military divisions, but it was expanded to include a gallantry award in 1918, allowing for recognition of bravery not in the face of the enemy.

Structure

The Order is divided into five classes across both civil and military divisions:

• Knight Grand Cross or Dame Grand Cross (GBE)
• Knight Commander or Dame Commander (KBE or DBE)
• Commander (CBE)
• Officer (OBE)
• Member (MBE)

Appointments to the Order are made for various services to the United Kingdom and its overseas territories. Foreign nationals who are honorary members do not contribute to the numbers restricted to the Order.

Insignia

The insignia of the Order for each class has distinctive badges and robes. The badge of the Order depicts Britannia surrounded by the motto of the Order, "For God and the Empire."

Ceremonies

Investitures for the Order take place at Buckingham Palace, conducted by the monarch or a senior member of the British royal family. Recipients are announced in the New Year Honours and the Queen's Birthday Honours lists.

Controversies

The Order has been subject to criticism and controversy, particularly regarding its name and the implications of empire in a post-colonial world. Discussions about reforming or renaming the Order have occurred, though no changes have been made.

Notable Recipients

Notable recipients of the Order include a wide range of individuals from various fields such as science, arts, literature, and public service. Recipients range from politicians and artists to philanthropists and actors.

See also

• British honours system
• Knighthood
• Dame (title)
• List of honours of the United Kingdom awarded to heads of state and royalty