2012 New Year Honours

2012 New Year Honours. The 2012 New Year Honours were appointments by Elizabeth II to various orders and honours to reward and highlight good works by citizens of the United Kingdom and British Overseas Territories, announced on 31 December 2011. The list recognised achievements across a wide spectrum, including public service, the arts, science, sport, and charitable work. It coincided with the Diamond Jubilee year, adding a celebratory dimension to the announcements.

Life Peers

The list for elevation to the House of Lords included several prominent figures from politics, business, and public life. Former Conservative Party chairman Mauveen Dean was created a life peer, alongside former MP and minister John Randall. From the world of business, Dennis Stevenson, the former chairman of HBOS, received a peerage, as did Tanni Grey-Thompson, the celebrated Paralympic athlete and broadcaster, recognised for her work in disability rights. These appointments were made on the advice of the House of Lords Appointments Commission.

Knights Bachelor

A total of 24 individuals were appointed as Knights Bachelor in this list. Notable recipients included actor and director Kenneth Branagh, honoured for his services to drama and to the community in Northern Ireland, and renowned architect David Chipperfield, recognised for his services to architecture. In the field of public service, Robert Fulton, the Lieutenant Governor of Guernsey, was knighted, as was Ian Livingstone, co-founder of Games Workshop and a champion of the UK video games industry. Other knights included John Armitt, chairman of the Olympic Delivery Authority, and John Sorrell, a leading figure in UK design.

Order of the Bath

Appointments to the Order of the Bath, primarily for senior military officers and civil servants, included several high-ranking officials. In the Military Division, Air Chief Marshal Stephen Dalton was appointed Knight Commander (KCB) for his role as Chief of the Air Staff. Vice-Admiral Alan Massey was appointed Companion (CB) for his service as Second Sea Lord. In the Civil Division, Permanent Secretary Jonathan Stephens of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport was appointed KCB, while Helen Ghosh, Permanent Secretary at the Home Office, was appointed Dame Commander (DCB).

Order of the British Empire

The Order of the British Empire constituted the largest portion of the honours list. Appointed as Dame Commander (DBE) were figures such as novelist Penelope Lively, actress Penelope Keith, and Joan Bakewell, the broadcaster and journalist. Notable Commanders (CBE) included musician and producer Brian Eno, actor David Suchet for services to drama, and Sebastian Coe for services to sport. Officers (OBE) included Olympic cyclist Mark Cavendish, chef Michel Roux Jr., and author Hilary Mantel. Members (MBE) honoured ranged from community volunteers to athletes like Mo Farah for services to athletics.

Other Orders and Decorations

Appointments were also made to other orders and decorations. In the Order of the Companions of Honour, historian Simon Schama was appointed for his services to history. The Royal Victorian Order saw appointments such as Lady-in-Waiting Mary Morrison being made a Dame Commander (DCVO). The Order of St Michael and St George included a Knight Grand Cross (GCMG) for Sir Jeremy Greenstock, former Ambassador to the UN. Additionally, over 300 people received the British Empire Medal (BEM), reinstated that year to recognise grassroots community service.