What is an OBE?
Asked by: Joannie Spinka | Last update: February 3, 2026Score: 4.6/5 (64 votes)
Like a CBE, an OBE is an order of the British Empire award. It is the second highest ranking Order of the British Empire award, behind CBE but ahead of MBE. It stands for Officer of the Order of the British Empire (as opposed to Commander for a CBE and Member for an MBE).
What does being an OBE mean?
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Distinguished regional or county-wide role in any field, through achievement or service to the community including notable practitioners known nationally. Officer of the Order of the British Empire.
Which is higher, OBE or MBE?
Standing for Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, OBE is the second highest ranking Order of the British Empire level (excluding a knighthood/damehood), behind CBE but ahead of MBE.
Is an OBE a big deal?
The OBE is given to people who have done something special for their region or country. What honours are there? The BEM is given to people who have worked hard in their local community. The MBE is given to people who have worked hard for their community over a long time and made a big difference.
Does an OBE make you a Sir?
Recipients of the first three awards can put the letters MBE, OBE or CBE behind their names, while recipients of the last two higher awards entitle the recipient to prefix with the title Sir (men) or Dame (women).
What Is MBE? British Royal Title Awards: Companion of Honour, Knight or Dame, CBE, OBE, MBE & BEM
Did David Beckham just get knighted?
Former England captain Sir David Beckham received a knighthood at Windsor Castle on Tuesday. The football star, 50, was honoured for his services to sport and charity. "I couldn't be prouder," Beckham said. "People know how patriotic I am -- I love my country.
Is it difficult to get an OBE?
Anyone can be nominated for an OBE, and it can be awarded for all types of different achievements. In general, the person nominated will have had a significant role locally or regionally, or they will be known nationally for their work, expertise and achievements.
Do you get money if you have an OBE?
You get an annuity for the George Cross and VC, but not for honours.
Why is Idris Elba being knighted?
Actor Idris Elba has been given a knighthood in the New Year Honours for his services to young people, recognising years of charitable work and campaigning to tackle youth violence and knife crime in the UK.
Can anyone experience an OBE?
Out-of-body experiences can happen during near-death experiences, sleep, or due to certain health conditions. Around 5% of people will have at least one out-of-body experience in their lifetime.
Can only British citizens get an OBE?
The order was retained after the decline of the British Empire in the second half of the 20th century. Today, the majority of recipients are UK citizens, though a number of Commonwealth realms outside the UK continue to make appointments to the order.
What is the most prestigious award in the UK?
As the highest award for valour of the United Kingdom, the Victoria Cross is always the first award to be presented at an investiture, even before knighthoods, as was shown at the investiture of Private Johnson Beharry, who received his medal before General Sir Mike Jackson received his knighthood.
Who is the only person to be knighted twice?
Sir David Attenborough is the only person to be knighted twice! He was first knighted in 1985 by Queen Elizabeth II. He was knighted the second time in 2022 by King Charles, who was a Prince at the time.
Who decides who gets an OBE?
The committee's recommendations go to the Prime Minister and then to the King, who awards the honour.
What is OBE in Peaky Blinders?
OBE Means "Order Of The British Empire"
No matter the level, any one of these awards is a life-affirming honor. Tommy receives the OBE in a perfectly Peaky Blinders manner: via blackmail.
What are the benefits of OBE in the UK?
Some of the main benefits of winning an MBE, OBE or CBE include that: It will raise your profile, further enhance your reputation and instil trust – that vital ingredient for success in all walks of life.
Did Ed Sheeran get a knighthood?
Ed Sheeran (MBE)
Ed Sheeran poses with his MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) medal that was presented to him by the Prince of Wales during an Investiture ceremony on Dec. The pop singer/songwriter received an MBE from Queen Elizabeth II on Dec.
What actor refused knighthood?
William Poel, actor and Shakespearean director. Declined a knighthood twice.
Why is Bill Gates knighted?
According to the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office, the honorary knighthood recognizes Gates' contributions to improving health and reducing poverty in parts of the Commonwealth and elsewhere in the developing world.
Has anyone refused an OBE?
The poet and activist Benjamin Zephaniah turned down an OBE in 2003, stating in an article for the Guardian: “I am profoundly anti-empire”. However, he did point out that he had “nothing against her [Queen Elizabeth II] or the royal family.”
Why did the British Empire collapse?
The First and Second World Wars
Both wars left Britain weakened and less interested in its empire. Although Great Britain emerged as one of the victors of World War II, it had been economically devastated by the conflict. The British Empire gradually gave way to the Commonwealth.
Can an OBE be removed?
Yes. It is possible to remove an honour on the advice of the Forfeiture Committee and with the approval of the Sovereign. What behaviour is expected from a person who has an honour? Both we and the wider community expect recipients of honours to be, and to remain, good citizens and role models.
Why is David Beckham getting knighted?
The former England captain and Manchester United star has now been knighted for his services to sport and charity.
Can a foreigner be knighted in the UK?
In short, yes, non-British citizens can receive knighthoods and damehoods. Honours can be awarded to individuals living all over the world. UK citizens living abroad can be nominated through the Foreign Secretary's Overseas List.
What is the female equivalent of an OBE?
A woman appointed to the grades of Dame Commander or Dame Grand Cross of the Order of Saint John, the Order of the Holy Sepulchre, the Order of the Bath, the Order of Saint Michael and Saint George, the Royal Victorian Order, or the Order of the British Empire becomes a dame.