New Year Honours list explained: What's the difference between an OBE, MBE and CBE and how do knighthoods work?
They have been awarded at New Year since 1890 except in 1940 due to the outbreak of the Second World War in September 1939.
The honours recognise the achievements and service of extraordinary people across the UK and anyone can be nominated as long as they meet the criteria of the individual awards.
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Hide AdIn the New Year honours list, fashion icon Twiggy, Thai cave rescuers, conservationist Chris Packham, author Philip Pullman, politicians, sports people and ordinary people were celebrated.
But what does each one mean?
Award: Knight Commander or Dame Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire
Abbreviation: KBE and DBE
This award is usually given to an individual for their long-term contribution in their field of work or charity.
The rank entails admission into knighthood, allowing male recipients to use the title ‘Sir’ or female recipients ‘Dame’ before his or her name.
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Hide AdThe youngest person to receive a Damehood in modern times was the sailor Dame Ellen MacArthur, who was 28 when she was honoured.
Tennis player Andy Murray is the UK’s youngest knight after he received a knighthood in 2016 at the age of 29.
Award: Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire
Abbreviation: CBE
This is awarded to an individual for a major local role in any activity such as business, charity or the public sector.
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Hide AdAnyone can be nominated but they must have a significant role locally or regionally, or be known nationally for their work, expertise and achievements. These can include community or charity work as well paid positions.
Award: Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire
Abbreviation: MBE
This award is given by the Queen to an individual in recognition of community achievements or a local “hands-on” service that has set an example to others.
Award: British Empire Medal
Abbreviation: BEM
This is granted in recognition of meritorious civil or military service.
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Hide AdThe ribbon of the medal is rose-pink with pearl-grey edges for the civilian recipients and the addition of a central stripe in pearl grey for military honourees.
The BEM continued to be awarded to British subjects until 1992 when, after a review in 1993 of the honours system, the government decided the distinction between this and an MBE was “tenuous”.
In 2012, the then Prime Minister David Cameron announced it would once again be awarded but only to civilians and would begin that year to coincide with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.
This feature first appeared on our sister site, the i.