Why the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire remains a modern cultural institution.

Cultures · Published 29 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Established in 1917 to honor non-combatants during the First World War, the Order of the British Empire has evolved into a sprawling system of recognition. Today, it rewards everything from local community service to national achievement, bridging the gap between historical chivalry and contemporary public service in the United Kingdom.

King George V founded the Order on June 4, 1917, to fill gaps in an existing honors system that primarily served royals, peers, and senior military or diplomatic officials. By creating this new order, the King sought to recognize the thousands of individuals who contributed to the war effort in non-combat roles. While initially civilian-focused, a military division was added in August 1918 to accommodate serving personnel, distinguished by a central vertical red stripe on the riband.

The Order consists of five classes: Knight or Dame Grand Cross (GBE), Knight or Dame Commander (KBE or DBE), Commander (CBE), Officer (OBE), and Member (MBE). The two highest ranks confer the title of Sir or Dame. Beyond these, the British Empire Medal (BEM) recognizes hands-on local service. In 1937, the insignia was updated to feature the crowned heads of King George V and Queen Mary, replacing the figure of Britannia. The riband, originally purple, was changed to rose pink with pearl grey edges to honor Queen Mary, who became the Order's Grand Master in 1936.

Over the decades, the Order has faced calls for reform. A 2004 Commons select committee report suggested phasing it out, arguing the name embodied values no longer shared by the population, and proposed renaming it the Order of British Excellence. However, the government declined to pursue these changes. Today, the Order remains active, with St Paul’s Cathedral serving as its spiritual home. It continues to adapt, utilizing quotas across nine categories to ensure diverse representation, while maintaining its status as the most populous of the British orders of chivalry, with over 100,000 living members worldwide.

The administration of the Order has shifted significantly since its inception. While recommendations were once centralized under UK ministers, the system evolved in the 1940s to allow Commonwealth realms to make their own nominations. As these nations established their own honors systems, the proportion of Commonwealth appointments declined. Despite these changes, the Order persists as a flexible instrument of recognition, honoring contributions ranging from the arts and sciences to charitable work and local community impact.

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