The King’s New Year Honours List is an essential and long-standing tradition where individuals throughout the United Kingdom are recognised for their outstanding contributions to society. Announced annually, it celebrates arts, education, public service, and community work achievements.
During the 2024 New Year Honours, over 1,200 recipients were rewarded for selfless service and dedication to the service of others. An honours system lets the public recommend people who have made the most significant contributions to national life. This way, those who spend their whole lives serving others are recognised. The honours are usually given by the King or senior Royal Family members in ceremonies organised in one of the Royal residences at Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle.
This tradition celebrates individual achievements and emphasises the various selfless acts that contribute to the nation’s well-being, inspiring others to engage in public service and community involvement.
The unveiling of the New Year Honours list is a compelling event that many in the arts industry eagerly await. This selection often centres on the entertainment sector figures, with actors and musicians typically stealing the media spotlight.
Honours, predominantly awarded by the monarch, rely on recommendations from the prime minister or outgoing leaders, with a notable focus on political figures. The New Year’s list is one of two annual publications, the other coinciding with the King’s official birthday in June. Additionally, departing prime ministers can compile a resignation honours list.
The broad spectrum of honours recipients includes renowned figures, government officials, and local heroes. While the honour bestows prestige and recognition, the article explores the detailed nomination process, ensuring a diverse representation.
The nomination process, open to everyone, involves a thorough vetting procedure conducted by the Honours and Appointments Secretariat within the Cabinet Office. Confidential matters, such as tax affairs, undergo stringent checks through agreements with relevant government departments, reinforcing the process’s integrity and transparency.
The Honours touches on the additional scrutiny faced by individuals set to receive peerages, mainly through the House of Lords Appointment Commission. While the commission lacks veto power, it can advise against specific names.
The article provides a comprehensive breakdown of honours categories, from the coveted knighthood to the distinguished Commander of the British Empire (CBE), Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE), Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE), and British Empire Medal (BEM). Each category reflects a specific level of achievement or service.
The final sections outline the significance of other honours, such as Companions of Honour, the Royal Victorian Order, the Order of Merit, The Most Distinguished Order of St Michael and St George, The Most Honourable Order of the Bath, The Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle, and The Most Noble Order of the Garter. Each order comes with unique privileges and requirements, adding depth to the rich tapestry of the British honours system.
Art World Figures In The King’s 2025 New Year Honours List (A bit thin on the ground this year)
Gabriele Finaldi, Director of the National Gallery, London Knighthood
Barbara Rae Colourist/Printmaker Damehood
Tom Dixon, Designer CBE
Rebecca Salter, President of the Royal Academy CBE
Kathrine Wood, Founding Director Firstsite MBE
GrahamI Ibbeson Sculptor MBE
Nicky Goulder, Founding Chief Executive of Create, MBE
Roger Farrant Bland, Former Keeper of the Department of Britain, Europe and Prehistory at the British Museum, CBE
Rose Aidin, Founder and CEO of Art History Link-Up (AHLU), MBE.
Tony Butler, Executive Director of Derby Museums Trust OBE
Jane Lawson Appointed Director of Development of the Victoria and Albert Museum MBE
Edwina Sassoon Created an art consultancy in 1990 MBE