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The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire: Understanding the MBE and How to Get It

MBE stands for Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. It is an honor bestowed upon individuals by the British monarch for their outstanding contribution to the society and nation. The MBE is one of the five classes of appointment in the Order of the British Empire, which also includes Knight Grand Cross (GBE), Knight Commander (KBE), Commander (CBE), and Officer (OBE). In this article, we will discuss how do you get an MBE and what are the criteria for it.

The MBE is awarded twice a year, on the Queen’s Birthday Honours List in June and on New Year’s Honours List in January. The honours list is published in the London Gazette, and the MBE recipients are invited to receive their honor from the Queen or a senior member of the royal family at a ceremony in Buckingham Palace.

There is no fixed criterion for getting an MBE. The Order of the British Empire is awarded to individuals from all walks of life, including celebrities, politicians, business leaders, and ordinary citizens who have made a significant contribution to their field of work or community. The honours committee considers a range of factors, including achievements, service to the community, and personal qualities, while selecting the recipients.

However, there are certain guidelines that one can follow to increase their chances of getting an MBE. Here are some of the criteria that the honours committee considers while selecting the recipients:

Contribution to the community: The MBE is often awarded to individuals who have made a significant contribution to their community, whether it is through charity work, volunteering, or supporting local initiatives. This can include individuals who have started a community project, raised funds for a charitable cause, or provided support to vulnerable groups in society.

Professional achievements: The honours committee also considers an individual’s professional achievements while selecting the recipients. This can include individuals who have excelled in their field of work, whether it is in the arts, science, business, or sports. The committee looks for individuals who have made a significant impact in their field of work and have contributed to the development of their profession.

Personal qualities: The honours committee also takes into account an individual’s personal qualities while selecting the recipients. This can include individuals who have shown exceptional courage, leadership, or dedication to their work or community. The committee looks for individuals who have demonstrated the highest standards of integrity and have inspired others to follow their example.

Nominations for the MBE are made by members of the public, including friends, colleagues, and community leaders. Anyone can nominate an individual for the MBE, and there is no limit to the number of nominations that can be made. The nominations are then assessed by the honours committee, which makes the final decision on the recipients.

If you are considering nominating someone for the MBE, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, the nomination form should be filled out accurately and include as much detail as possible about the individual’s achievements and contributions. The form should also explain why the individual deserves to be nominated for the MBE and how their work has made a positive impact on society.

Second, it is important to remember that not everyone who is nominated will receive the MBE. The honours committee receives thousands of nominations each year, and only a small percentage of them are successful. It is important to manage expectations and not to put too much pressure on the individual being nominated.

Finally, it is important to respect the privacy of the individual being nominated. The honours system is designed to recognize individuals who have made a significant contribution to society, and it is not intended to be a public spectacle. If the individual is successful in receiving the MBE, they will be invited to a private ceremony with the Queen or a senior member of the royal family.

In conclusion, getting an MBE is a significant achievement and a great honor. While there is no fixed criterion for getting an MBE, the honours committee considers a range of factors, including contributions to the community, professional achievements, and personal qualities. Nominations for the MBE can be made by anyone, and it is important to fill out the nomination form accurately and provide as much detail as possible about the individual’s achievements. It is also important to manage expectations and respect the privacy of the individual being nominated.