What is the difference between an obe and a knighthood

This is awarded to an individual for a major local role in any activity such as business, charity or the public sector. Anyone can be nominated but they must have a significant role locally or regionally, or be known nationally for their work, expertise and achievements. These can include community or charity work as well paid positions.

This is granted in recognition of meritorious civil or military service. The ribbon of the medal is rose-pink with pearl-grey edges for the civilian recipients and the addition of a central stripe in pearl grey for military honourees. The Government has considered changing the name to the Order of British Excellence, but decided to wait until at least the order's centenary in While the CBE is the third highest of the order's five ranks, only the top two can use title Sir for a man or Dame for a woman.

Since , only 16 have been given out. David Bowie is among a few celebrities to have rejected honours, having turned down an OBE in the Queen's birthday honours in John Lennon also famously returned his MBE in in protest against Britain's involvement in the Nigerian civil war.

See more Must Read on Smooth. Getty Images. What is a Companion of Honour? What is a Knight or Dame? What is a CBE? A CBE medal. What is an OBE? What is an MBE? What is a BEM? More like this.

The year-old boy who made the list 31 Dec 31 December Instituted in 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 awarded to civilians as well as members of the armed forces.

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 awarded to members who have made major contributions to any activity, usually at national level. Per tradition, knighthoods and damehoods are presented with a touch of a sword by the King or Queen.

The title of Knight Bachelor can also awarded to a male, but he will not be a member of one of the orders of chivalry.