In the first New Year’s Honours issued by a King in 70 years, King Charles III has knighted a Queen – one of the two surviving members of the rock band Queen.

Workers helping Ukrainian citizens displaced by the war, footballers, and a fashion designer were among the British citizens who were honoured with various awards in his first Honours’ list.

Forever to be known as Sir Brian (May), the Queen guitarist also holds a doctorate degree in astrophysics and is a champion for the welfare of animals.

Speaking on his impending knighthood, May said it is, “a kind of commission to do the things one would expect a knight to do — to fight for justice, to fight for people who don’t have any voice.”  May was knighted for his contributions to music and the community.  He added that he hoped the title would give him “a little bit more clout.”

May’s wife of 22 years Anita will now be known as Lady May; speaking on the honour Sir Brian said, “she’s thrilled to bits. Yes, yes, she’s very happy about that. Yes, Lady Anita will be enjoying it and it’s a thrill to me to be able to kind of confer that on her. It makes me feel proud that she gets an honor beside me because God knows I wouldn’t be here without her.”

Fashion designer Dame Mary Quant may forever be known as the person who popularized the miniskirt in the 1960’s; but she will also be known as one of just 65 people who holds the Order of the Companions of Honor – the highest civilian honour in the realm of the United Kingdom.

Known for his tapestries and ceramics, artist Grayson Perry has been knighted for his service to the arts.

Cartoonist of the characters Dennis the Menace and the Bash Street Kids David Sutherland has received a OBE.  And creator of Horrid Henry, Francesca Simon is awarded an MBE.

Already receiving a OBE for contributions to music, music education, and broadcasting saxophone player Yolan Da Brown has been awarded an CBE

On the political front, the UK Ambassadors to  Ukraine and Russia have earned knighthoods – Damehood for females – for their responses to the war.  Nanny Lourenna Hood received a British Empire Medal for her work in raising 160,000 pounds to aid Ukrainian refugees.

Saying that she was completely stunned by the move, Hunt noted, “I started the campaign, but I would never have been able to do it without the community.”

After winning the 2022 Women’s European Championship in football captain Leah Williamson received an OBE with teammates Lucy Bronze, Beth Mead, and Ellen White all received an MBE.  Awards can be conferred on people who are not citizens of the British Commonwealth but cannot carry the title.  The Women’s team coach Sarina Wiegman is Dutch and has been awarded an honourary CBE.

The first woman to run a large band in the UK, Alison Rose has received a damehood.

Other citizens who received honours this year include  environmental and climate change advocates, people advocating for youth and against discrimination, and several members of the Jewish community including Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis who received a knighthood.

The presenting of honours is a long standing tradition in the British realm.  Monarchs have been showing their appreciation for noble acts since the Middle Ages.  In days past, the Monarch was solely responsible for presenting the honours; today the names are submitted to the Cabinet Office and the nominee is vetted prior to being passed on to the Prime Minister and His or Her Majesty for approval.

The honours begin with the Medal of the British Empire and continues with the…

MBE – Member of the Order of the British Empire

OBE – Officer of the Order of the British Empire
CBE – Commander of the Order of the British Empire

Knight or Dame

and the highest honour of the land for a civilian is the Companion of Honour

feature photo credit: Charles, Prince of Wales at COP21.jpg