29 December 2023 , 21:00
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The annual announcement of the New Year's Hours list has been revealed, recognising those who have accomplished outstanding achievements in Britain.
It is one of the most respected honours in Britain - recommended by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and awarded by King Charles III. The government says the aim of the honours system is to credit people who "made achievements in public life", and "committed themselves to serving and helping Britain". It also adds that "they'll usually have made life better for other people or be outstanding at what they do".
The list is one of two which are published - one ahead of the new year, and the other coinciding with the King's official birthday in June. Although awards often go to famous faces, it isn't always the case; local heroes are also recognised for their efforts in their own community.
But how do you get an honour from His Majesty the King? Read on to find out exactly how the prestigious awards are given out.
How can you get an honour from the King?
Cookery writer and broadcaster, Mary Berry with her husband Paul Hunnings poses with her medal and star following being appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) (Getty Images)In order to get an honour from the King, generally, you need to be nominated. A detailed description of why the nomination is being made will be needed and will require the following, as per the website:
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- Your nominee’s name, age, address and contact details
- Details of relevant work or volunteering they’ve done
- Details of any awards or other recognition they’ve received
- Two supporting letters to back up your nomination - these should be from people who know the nominee personally
When making your nomination you may also want to add supporting evidence like articles, photos or letters. Nominees must not know that they are under consideration.
The decision about who actually gets an honour is taken by the dedicated honours committee, made up of senior civil servants and people with no affiliation to the government. Recommendations from the committee then go to the Prime Minister and then to the King himself, who awards them. A number of checks are carried out by various government departments first though.
Honours will then be sent to their recipients and, when they accept, they will be invited to attend a formal ceremony. The ceremony will see them awarded their insignia from either the King or a member of the Royal Family.
Known as investitures, they tend to take place at Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle or the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
Due to the community nature of British Empire Medals (BEM), they are presented locally by Lord-Lieutenants (His Majesty's local representative). BEM recipients are also invited to attend a Royal Garden Party.
When are the King's honours revealed?
Honours from the King get announced twice each year. Once in June, in what is known as the birthday honours, and again at the New Year. This is called the New Year's honours.
This year's New Year's honours will be revealed on the evening of Friday, December 29.
What are the different types of honours?
Fundraiser Steve Watts enjoyed his conversation with King Charles while receiving an MBEThere are different types of honours that people can receive, and each reflects various levels of commitment shown to Britain as well as types of contribution. Honours as follows:
Companion of Honour - a major contribution to the arts, science, medicine or government.
Knight or Dame - a major contribution, usually at national level and tends to be inspirational or significant.
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Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) - a prominent but less significant contribution at national level or a "distinguished innovative contribution in your area".
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) - Making a major contribution locally in any activity. It may also lead to recognition nationally.
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) - "Outstanding achievement or service to the community", it sets an example and has a significant long-term impact.
British Empire Medal (BEM) - This is given to people how have made "hands-on" service to the community through long-term charity activity.
Royal Victorian Order (RVO) - given by the King to people who have helped him personally.