Singer Shirley Bassey and director Ridley Scott (both 86) are among the Brits who will be awarded honorary degrees at the end of the year for their commitment. Bassey (“Goldfinger”) will be named a Companion of Honor for her contributions to music, it has been announced. The order has a maximum of 65 members, including her there are now 64.
“My heart is full of emotions and I’m really humbled,” the Cardiff-born singer told Britain’s PA news agency. Director Scott (“Napoleon”, “Gladiator”) is awarded the Knight Grand Cross, the highest order of merit. The widow of children’s book author Roald Dahl, Felicity Dahl, is also made a lady.
1227 people honored
The British religious system is diverse. The best known is the knighthood, which is accompanied by elevation to Sir or Dame. Below you can find the orders CBE, OBE and MBE. The titles in full are Commander, Officer and Member of the British Empire. In most cases they are awarded by the British government, but all citizens are allowed to make suggestions.
This year, a total of 1,227 people will be honored in the traditional “New Year Honors”. These include England international soccer players Millie Bright (OBE), Mary Earps and Lauren Hemp (both MBE). The founder of the Glastonbury music festival, Michael Eavis, will be knighted, as will the Brexit supporter and boss of the Wetherspoon pub chain, Tim Martin. Game of Thrones actress Emilia Clarke joins her mother in receiving an MBE for their charity work for people with brain injuries.
Ordinary citizens
The majority of those honored are ordinary citizens. As the oldest, 97-year-old Jill Gladwell receives an MBE for her volunteer work with veterans’ charity the Royal British Legion. The youngest recipient is nine-year-old Tony Hudgell, who is also being awarded a British Empire Medal for his social commitment.
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, will be awarded the Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order (RVO) and will now be able to call himself Sir Justin. He attended the coronation of King Charles III in May. and his wife Queen Camilla. The RVO Honors are the monarch’s personal recognition of people who have served the Royal Family in a significant way.
