Honours
In the United Kingdom, honours are awarded twice a year, in June and at the New Year; about 1,500 awards each time. Most are made in the Order of the British Empire with some 15 per cent at the highest levels (CBE and above).
Honours are awarded for all types of service including to:
- those providing services to their local communities, mainly volunteers
- those in the public services – police officers, teachers, nurses, doctors
- arts practitioners and administrators – actors, musicians, painters etc
- sports men and women
- industrialists and trade unionists
- scientists
- journalists and broadcasters
- those giving service to United Kingdom interests abroad
- the Armed Forces
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Nomination
Individuals may be nominated for an honours award by anyone, and we encourage neighbours, work colleagues etc to put forward those they admire for their achievements. (Self-nominations are rare, and will not succeed without independent validation.) Applications must be made on the nomination form designed for this purpose.
You can find ut more about the nomination process and download the relevant forms at the following links to the nidirect website.
- Nominating someone for an honour - nidirect website
- Nominate someone for an honour - guidance notes and forms
Publication and receipt of awards
Following publication of the honours list, recipients are invited to attend an Investiture at Buckingham Palace, the Palace of Holyrood House or other location to receive their award from the Queen or other senior member of the Royal Family.
Honours Useful Links
Further information relating to Honours can be found on the following websites.
- Honours, decorations and awards - Government, citizens and rights section (nidirect)
- Honours and awards - Cabinet Office website
- The UK Honours system - DirectGov
