Navigating the King’s Honours System: A Comprehensive Guide to Recognition in 2025
A King’s Honour remains the most prestigious award in the world, recognising and
celebrating outstanding service and achievements across a wide range of sectors. Whether
in public service, charity work, business, science, or the arts, receiving a royal honour
signifies national appreciation and respect. This comprehensive guide explains how the
King’s Honour process work, how to nominate someone, and why this accolade remains as
special as ever.
What is a King’s Honour?
King’s Honours are awards presented twice a year—at New Year and on the Sovereign’s
official birthday in June. These awards honour individuals for extraordinary contributions to
society. The honours include:
British Empire Medal (BEM)
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
Knight or Dame Commander (KBE/DBE)
Each rank reflects the level of impact or achievement, but all signify tremendous
accomplishment.
Who can be nominated?
Anyone can be nominated for a King’s Honour, regardless of where they live in the world or
their nationality. Nominees must have gone above and beyond in their profession, voluntary
work, or public service. There is no age limit to receiving one, and nominations can be
submitted by anyone familiar with the nominee’s work—including colleagues, employers, or
members of the community.
How to make a nomination
The nomination process involves:
A completed nomination form
At least two strong letters of support
A detailed overview of the nominee’s achievements
A well-drafted nomination should focus on outcomes, leadership, innovation, and the wider
impact of the nominee’s work.
What happens after you nominate?
The honours committees, which comprise independent members and officials, review each
nomination. Recommendations are then made to the Prime Minister and the King.
Successful candidates are notified prior to the announcement and can choose whether or
not to accept the honour.
Why apply in 2025?
Receiving a King’s Honour has never been more special. Receiving a King’s Honour is a
powerful mark of national gratitude. Whether you’re nominating someone or being
nominated, the experience is life changing. If you believe someone’s achievements deserve
national recognition, the time to act is now.
3 Comments
The Common category includes the following blocks: Paragraph, image, headings, list, gallery, quote, audio, cover, video. The paragraph block is the default block type. It should not have any alignment of any kind. It should just flow like you would normally expect. Nothing fancy. Just straight up text, free flowing
The Common category includes the following blocks: Paragraph, image, headings, list, gallery, quote, audio, cover, video. The paragraph block is the default block type. It should not have any alignment of any kind. It should just flow like you would normally expect. Nothing fancy.
The Common category includes the following blocks: Paragraph, image, headings, list, gallery, quote, audio, cover, video. The paragraph block is the default block type. It should not have any alignment of any kind. It should just flow like you would normally expect.