By award
Honours and Awards
The British honours system recognises merit, achievement, and service across every walk of life - from public service and the arts to medicine, science, sport, and community work. Honours are conferred by the Sovereign, twice a year, on the New Year and the Sovereign's Birthday, alongside operational and gallantry awards announced throughout the year.
This directory describes the 32 honours, orders, medals, and awards currently recognised within the system. Each entry sets out the award's purpose, eligibility, rank and precedence, entitlements, and significance.
The register
Browse by category
Honours are grouped into categories reflecting their nature and origin. Expand a category for its summary and awards.
Military honours
Honours for the armed forces
Many orders, including the Order of the Bath and the Order of the British Empire, are awarded in a Military Division, alongside dedicated gallantry and service medals. Recipients are gazetted with their rank and service branch. Browse the men and women of the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Army and Royal Air Force recognised in the honours.
Explore military honours