2018 Birthday Honours

2018 Birthday Honours. The 2018 Birthday Honours were appointments by some of the 16 Commonwealth realms to various orders of chivalry, announced on 9 June 2018 to celebrate the official birthday of Elizabeth II. The list recognised the achievements and service of people across the United Kingdom and the wider Commonwealth of Nations. The honours were published in the London Gazette.

Overview

The list coincided with the 100th anniversary of the Order of the British Empire, established by George V in 1917. The honours were notable for recognising a diverse range of contributions, including services to the NHS, Armed Forces, arts, and charity. The awards were conferred by the monarch on the advice of the Cabinet Office and various Prime Ministerial committees.

Appointments and Awards

Appointments were made to the various state orders, including the Order of the Garter, the Order of the Thistle, and the Order of the Bath. Senior military figures and civil servants were often appointed as Knights Commander or Companions of the Order of the Bath. Diplomatic and overseas service was recognised through the Order of St Michael and St George, with appointments like Knight Grand Cross.

Order of the Companions of Honour

This order, limited to 65 members, was awarded for conspicuous national service. Recipients included the renowned architect David Adjaye, honoured for services to architecture, and the celebrated author Michael Morpurgo, recognised for his contributions to literature. The award is a singular honour, conferring the post-nominal letters CH but no title of knighthood.

Order of the British Empire

The largest and most diverse section of the list, the Order of the British Empire, was divided into five classes. Notable appointments as Knights Commander (KBE) or Dames Commander (DBE) included the film director Ridley Scott and the Chief Executive of Oxfam GB, Mark Goldring. Commanders (CBE) were awarded to figures like the actor Stephen Graham and the scientist Sarah Gilbert.

Other Honours

Appointments were also made to the Royal Victorian Order, personally selected by the Queen for services to the monarch. The Order of the Companions of Honour and the Order of Merit were also featured. Additionally, awards within the British Empire Medal (BEM) category recognised local community service, such as volunteers for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution and organisers of local Remembrance Sunday events.

Notable Recipients

Prominent figures honoured included the actor Michael Palin, who was knighted for services to travel, culture, and geography. The England cricket captain, Eoin Morgan, received an OBE following the team's World Cup victory. In science, a knighthood was conferred upon the physicist John Pendry for services to science. The list also posthumously honoured the campaigner Doreen Lawrence with a life peerage.