A long-standing symbol of prestige and recognition, the British Honours System celebrates people from all walks of life and their dedication to service for our nation.
Twice every year, the media reports on the recipients of this prestigious accolade. These headlines are filled with famous faces, including actors, political figures and athletes. But what about the countless number of ordinary people who go unrecognised by the press?
In this article, we explore the extraordinary achievements of everyday people and why celebrating these achievements through royal honours matters. We’ll also share how you can maximise your chances of getting an unsung hero in your life to be recognised with Awards Intelligence.
What are royal honours?
Under the royal honours UK umbrella, there are a number of titles, including MBEs, OBEs, CBEs, Knighthoods/Damehoods, British Empire Medals (BEM), gallantry awards, and so many more. These honours recognise a diversity of achievements across multiple disciplines, such as public and local services, arts, charity, science, business, and community development.
Anyone can submit a nomination. Following a rigorous selection process that involves the Honours Committee, HM Revenue & Customs, and the Lord Lieutenant, who is the local representative of the King, only the most deserving candidates are selected to receive such an accolade.
Why are everyday people often overlooked in honour announcements?
As soon as the announcement is made for the year’s list of recipients, all of the major newspapers and media outlets spotlight the celebrities and other famous people who have made the cut. This is largely due to the fact that these names drive website traffic; people want to know what happens to high-profile people.
However, as a result, it’s a common misconception that ‘normal’, everyday people don’t receive such achievements, and that this is reserved only for celebrities. This simply isn’t true!
Everyday people make up a significant number of nominations. These heroes, whether they be teachers, nurses, community leaders or volunteers, and their innovative contributions are the cornerstone of the British Honours System.
Recognising everyday people: the importance of royal honours
Royal honours act as a national acknowledgement of these extraordinary achievements, thus bringing much-needed light to those who support our society, day in, day out. It’s these people who make real, tangible differences in local communities and beyond, changing the lives of everyday people across the country.
For anyone and everyone, receiving a royal honour is an outstanding achievement, one that can be transformative for one’s career and impact. This kind of recognition can attract funding opportunities, enabling individuals or grassroots organisations to scale their influence and bring change to more and more people.
The impact of the UK Honours System
Royal honours spotlight an array of valiant causes, with their impact often being felt on a more personal, community-based level.
An honour of this calibre validates years and sometimes decades of hard work. For ordinary people, this innovative work is especially outstanding, as it’s often done with limited resources and without any expectation of reward or recognition, just for the greater good.
Inspirational royal honour recipients
Everyday people are the pillar of our society, uplifting others and truly making the world a better place.
Royal honours achievements span many areas, including charitable work, education, healthcare, women’s rights, services to young people, local communities and sport. Below, we spotlight a few extraordinary individuals who were celebrated for making a difference:
Mikayla Beames
One of the youngest recipients of a royal honour is Mikalya Beames, who, aged 18, was awarded a BEM for her services to children with cancer. Through charitable fundraising, Beames has supported hundreds of children who are fighting cancer.
Michael Bennion
Aged 72, Michael Bennion, received an MBE for his outstanding services to Scouting and Young People. During his time as a scout leader, he supported hundreds of young people.
Wendy Ansell
Not all heroes wear capes. Wendy Ansell is a remarkable individual who received an MBE for her services to survivors: women who had been harmed by female genital mutilation (FGM) and were seeking sanctuary.
Ansell also developed bespoke training programmes for healthcare professionals to enhance their understanding of the needs of these vulnerable women.
Deidre Amor
In Northern Ireland, Deirdre Amor was awarded an MBE for her services to the community. Working in state education for 45 years, Amor brought together staff and parents across the political divide through after-school meetings.
What’s more, she was also actively involved, of her own volition, during her retirement in improving two failing schools.
Jackson Gibbons
Founder of the City of London Academy Southwark’s Basketball Academy, Jackson Gibbons, was rewarded for his tireless efforts with a BEM. This youth basketball programme is now one of the most successful in the UK!
Every contribution matters with Awards Intelligence
British honours are so much more than just a medal of achievement; they are a symbol of service, hope and inspiration. If you can think of someone whose quiet dedication has made a big difference in their community or on a national level, consider nominating them for a royal honour.
Nominate an unsung hero in your life with Awards Intelligence. We go to great lengths to give your candidate the best chance possible of securing a royal honour by ensuring that your nomination accurately reflects their efforts in a truly compelling way.
For additional information about our services and how to get started, get in touch with our team of experts today.