King George V in 1917 created these honours during World War 1 to reward services to the war effort by civilians at home and servicemen in support positions. The orders are now awarded mainly to civilians and service personnel for public service or other distinctions and has a military and a civil division. Ranks in the Order are Knight or Dame Grand Cross (GBE), Knight or Dame Commander (KBE or DBE), Commander (CBE), Officer (OBE) and Member (MBE).
British honours are awarded on merit, for exceptional achievement or service. Anybody can recommend a British national for an honour, which consist of life peerages, knighthoods, appointments to the Order of the British Empire and gallantry awards to servicemen and women and civilians.
The Queen, who awards the British honours on the basis of merit for exceptional achievement or service, chooses the recipients on the advice of the Prime Minister, to whom recommendations are sent either by government ministers or by members of the public. A date has not yet been set for the investiture ceremony normally held at Buckingham Palace.