What is the difference between a CBE, OBE, MBE and a knighthood? (2024)

Twice a year - at new year and on the date of the King's official birthday - British honour recipients are announced in The Gazette. Here we look at the different ranks of the Order of the British Empire, as well as some of their most famous recipients.

The British honours system rewards individuals with Honours, Decorations and Medals in public recognition of their merit, service or bravery. Honours are announced and awarded twice a year by His Majesty The King, with lists consisting of knights and dames, appointments to the Order of the British Empire, and gallantry and bravery awards. Different awards are received depending on an individual's achievements.

What is the Order of the British Empire?

Perhaps the most well-known awards are classes of appointment to the Order of the British Empire. Instituted in 1917 by George V, the awards were created during World War I to reward services to the war effort by people not on the front line. However, they are now appointed to civilians as well as members of the armed forces.

They include (in order of precedence):

GBE(Knight or Dame)-Knight Grand Cross or Dame Grand Crossof the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire
KBE or DBE (Knight or Dame) - Knight Commander or Dame Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire
CBE - Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire
OBE - Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire
MBE - Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire

What is a Knight or Dame?

The two senior ranks of the Order of the British Empire are Knight or Dame Grand Cross, and Knight or Dame Commander. Both of these ranks entitle their members to use the title of Sir for men and Dame for women before their forename.

The honour is appointed to members who have made major contributions to any activity, usually at national level. Per tradition, knighthoods are often presented with a touch of a sword by the King or Queen.

There are other orders of chivalry in the British honours system which also have either or both Knight andDame ranks, such as theRoyal Victorian Order and the Most Honourable Order of the Bath.The title ofKnight Bachelorcan also be awarded to a male, but he will not bea member of one of the orders of chivalry (unless previously appointed to one).

Famous people who are Knights and Dames

Here are some notable people to receive a knighthood or damehood:

Dame Julie Andrews(Gazette issue 55710)
Sir David Attenborough (Gazette issue 50154)
Sir Winston Churchill (Gazette issue 39732)
Dame Judi Dench (Gazette issue 51171)
Sir Paul McCartney (Gazette issue 54625)
Dame Maggie Smith (Gazette issue 51981)
Sir Alex Ferguson (Gazette issue 55513)
Sir Ian McKellen (Gazette issue 52382)

What is a CBE?

Standing for Commander of the Order of the British Empire, CBE is the highest ranking Order of the British Empire level (excluding a knighthood/damehood), followed by OBE and then MBE.

An individual may be appointed a CBE for having a prominent role at national level, or a leading role at regional level. The honour may also be conferred for a distinguished and innovative contribution to any area.

Famous people who areCBEs

Here are some notable people to be appointed aCBE:

Stephen Hawking CBE (Gazette issue 48837)
Harold Pinter CBE (Gazette issue 44004)
Hugh Laurie CBE (Gazette issue 58196)
Jonny Wilkinson CBE (Gazette issue 61256)
Helena Bonham Carter CBE (Gazette issue 60009)

What is an OBE?

Standing for Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, OBE is the second highest ranking Order of the British Empire level (excluding a knighthood/damehood), behind CBE but ahead of MBE.

An individual may be appointed an OBE for having made a major contribution at a local level, or having gained a national profile.

Famous people who areOBEs

Here are some notable people to be appointed an OBE:

What is an MBE?

Standing for Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, MBE is the third highest ranking Order of the British Empire level (excluding a knighthood/damehood), behind CBE and then OBE.

An individual may be appointed an MBE for an outstanding achievement, or service to the community that has had a long-term, significant impact.

Famous people who are MBEs

Here are some notable people to be appointed an MBE:

Adele MBE (Gazette issue 60534)
Steven Gerrard MBE (Gazette issue 58196)
Ed Sheeran MBE (Gazette issue 61962)
Harry Kane MBE (Gazette issue 62507)
Rob Brydon MBE (Gazette issue 60534)

Celebrate your honour with a commemorative edition

If you or a loved one have been honoured by theKing ormentioned in despatches, The Gazette is available to buy as apersonalisedcommemorative edition. Each pack contains a complete edition of The Gazette from the day the honour was published.

Shop

Find out more

Nominate someone for an honour or award (Gov)

Types of honours and awards (Gov)

The Queen and Honours (Royal)

Images

Getty Images

Publicationupdated

4 January 2024