The Order of British Empire (UK)

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. He created the order to honor those who had served in a non-combative role. Since King George V founded the honor, his portrait appears on many of the insignia.

Sovereign: King Charles III (2022-Present) 

Grand Master: Queen Camilla (2024-Present)

Motto: “For God and the Empire”

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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 who can receive the honor. Except that, Foreign Citizens can only be given the honor in honorary form. 

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Grades

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.

There are 5 grade across both military and civilian divisions. The grades from highest to lowest (with Post-nominal Letters):

• Knight Grand Cross or Dame Grand Cross (GBE)
  • Entitled to use “Sir” or “Dame” (unless a foreign citizen or clergy)
  • Top of their field (usually at a national level)
• Knight Commander or Dame Commander (KBE or DBE)
  • Entitled to use “Sir” or “Dame” (unless a foreign citizen or clergy)
  • Top of their field (usually at a national level)
• Commander (CBE)
  • Prominent national or regional role
• Officer (OBE)
  • Distinguished regional or county-wide role
• Member (MBE) 
  • Recognizing an achievement.
  • Work in Community with a sustained impact.

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British Royals with this honor

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:

Member (MBE)

• Zara Tindall (then Zara Phillips) – Received as part of the 2007 New Year’s Honors. Given 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 as part of the 2004 New Year’s Honors. Given for “Services to Rugby Union.” Mike and team mates received this honor after winning the 2003 Six Nations Championship.

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Insignia

Overview

The insignia of the Order is not required to be returned after the holder’s death. With the exception being the Collar of the Order. Holder should also return their insignia if they receive a higher grade of the honor.

	GBE	KBE & DBE	CBE	OBE	MBE
Mantle	X
Collar	X
Star	X	X
Badge (Men’s)	Sash	Neck	Neck	Ribbon	Ribbon
Badge (Women’s)	Sash	Bow	Bow	Bow	Bow
Badge Material	Pale blue enameled cross, red circle and a gold central medallion			Silver gilded with gold	Silver
Rosette	X	X	X	X	X

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Badge

Each grade has a badge that they wear. The size and material of the badges varies according to rank. The higher classes have slightly larger badges. All badge feature a cross with a medallion in the center. The front features the motto of the order along with a portrait of King George V and Queen Mary. The reverse features King George V’s Cypher.

Material

• Knight/Dame Grand Cross, Knight/Dame Commander, Commander
  • Pale blue enameled cross, red circle and a gold central medallion
• Officer
  • Silver gilded with gold
• Member
  • Silver

Sash and Badge

• Worn by Knight/Dame Grand Cross

The badge hangs from a sash. The sash is worn from right shoulder to left hip. The honor for men and women is the same except for the width of the ribbon.

Neck Badge (Men)

• Worn by Knight Commanders and Commanders (Men)

Men who hold the 2nd and 3rd highest grade wears their badge in the form of a neck badge. The two grades are distinguished by the size of the badge.

Ribbon (Men)

• Worn by Officers and Members (Men)

The badge of the lowest two grades is hung from a short ribbon. The two grades are differentiated by the type of material. Both badges are made of silver. The badge of officers is gilded in gold.

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Bow (Women)

• Worn by Dame Commanders, Commanders, Officers and Members (Women)

Except for the highest grade, Women wear their badge hanging from a bow. The Size of the bow varies by grade. The badge hanging from the bow is the same version used in the male version of the honor.

Lapel Pin/Rosette

The lapel pin was introduced in 2006. The same lapel pin is used by all ranks. Lapel pins must be purchased separately by a member of the order.

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