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 The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh with members of the Order of Merit, at Windsor Castle, 1997. With only 24 members, the Order is conferred on people who have achieved distinction in the arts, learning, literature and science
© PA News Photo Library |
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How are honours awarded?
Anybody can make a recommendation for a British national to receive an honour; certain Commonwealth countries also send nominations. Honours include life peerages, knighthoods, appointments to the Order of the British Empire and gallantry awards to Servicemen and women and civilians.
With a few exceptions (such as the Order of the Garter, the Order of the Thistle, the Royal Victorian Order and Order of Merit which the Sovereign confers on her own discretion), The Queen confers honours on the advice of the Prime Minister, so recommendations must be sent to the Appointments Secretary in the Prime Minister's Office.
An honours list is published twice a year, at the New Year and on the Sovereign's official birthday. Recipients receive their awards at an Investiture. |
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