M.b.e./ o.b.e/ k.b.e and others?

Question

why all these so called honours, when there is no such thing as the british empire?

Answer 1

This knighthood was started when there was a British Empire, as the British Sovereign, Queen Victoria was the Empress of India.  Thus the kings after her signed their name as George, RI or Edward, RI.  R=Rex=King and I=Imperator=Emperor.

The Knighthood is defined as "of the British Empire" just as another is "of the Garter".  A KBE is a full knight.  A MBE has the honour attached after his/her name but is not called "Sir" or "Dame".

While these honours are bestowed by the Queen, they are presented to her for "her approval" by the Prime Minister's office.

Answer 2

The honours list IS selected by the current Prime Minister who is advised by his ministers and aides.  Only a very small number of honours are in the personal gift of the monarch.  

As to why the 'E' for Empire, it's just an historical reference - nothing to get het up about.  The military still award the George Cross and the Victoria Cross and both of those monarchs have been dead for some time but no one gets upset about that.

Answer 3

Unfortunately, it harkens back to the days when a British empire existed. Today, we know this is not so, but tradition is hard to eliminate. It should be "c" instead of "e" standing for Commonwealth and not Empire.

Answer 4

These are just awards given to the citizens of the UK and exceptional foreigners,a way to encourage great deeds;it doesn't matter if there is an empire or not.

Answer 5

B.U.L.L.S.H.I.T.    AINT IT

Answer 6

Yes it has become an anachronism. Since these so-called honours are given to people just for doing or having done their job adequately (or not in some cases), to those who have influence and connections, or to people who have quietly slipped some cash to the powers that be or a political party, one wonders if a new distinction should be invented to reward those that really change the course of life or History for the better, or accomplish feats that  truly deserve a medal.