The Honours System

The bestowal of honours by the Sovereign upon his or her subjects has been an integral part of monarchy since time immemorial.

Today, honours may be awarded for gallantry on the field of battle, for courage shown in civilian life, for outstanding achievement in business, sport or creative endeavour, for service in the community or for service to the Crown at home or abroad.

Read our guide to the Queen's Diamond Jubilee

2012 Queen's Birthday Honours List

From Gary Barlow and Susan Hill to Kate Winslet and Kenneth Branagh, the 2012 Birthday Honours list is a tribute to dedication, talent, initiative, creativity and bravery in all walks of British life.

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2012 New Years Honours Highlights

The 2012 New Years Honours List features plenty of familair names, recognising achievement from a variety of fields.

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2012 New Years Honours List

Explore the full 2012 New Year Honours list and read our guide to the British honours system.

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Honours Nominations

Since 1993 everybody has been free to nominate a person of outstanding merit for an honour.

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Refusals of Crown Honours

In January 2012 the Cabinet Office was ordered to release information about the 277 individuals who have refused official accolades between 1951 and 1999, and have since died.

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Investiture

Every year the Honours Lists are announced and summonses are sent to the recipients requesting them to attend an investiture at Buckingham Palace.

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Orders and Decorations Conferred by The Crown

A list of Crown Honours in order of precedence, including the Victoria Cross, OBE, MBE and many more

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Honours for Gallantry

Introduction to the Victoria Cross and George Cross. These two awards take precedence over all other honours. They are awarded for gallantry and bravery

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