Important Words and Phrases, Part 2.5

• Order of the British Empire (O.B.E.):  Formally known as The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, the OBE is an  order of chivalry. It is awarded by the Sovereign, on the advice of the government, for a national order of merit. There are five classes:

• Knight/Dame Grand Cross (GBE)
• Knight/Dame Commander (KBE/DBE)
• Commander (CBE)
• Officer (OBE)
• Member (MBE)

Only the highest two ranks automatically cause an individual to become a knight or dame, an honor allowing the recipient to use the title "Sir" (male) or "Dame" (female) before their first name.  The Order's motto is "For God and the Empire." It is the most junior of the British orders of chivalry, and the largest, with over 100,000 living members worldwide.  The OBE medal is traditionally worn on the left side.

 *Stephen Merchant mentioned the OBE on the most recent Ricky Gervais Podcast, "The Ricky Gervais Guide To...Comic Relief." (I highly recommend that you download this podcast from iTunes. It is possibly their funniest ever, and it's free!)

 The Brits had a lesson in OBE etiquette at Prince William and Kate Middleton's royal wedding:

David Beckham wore his medal on the wrong side

[David Beckham switched his medal to the left side before the ceremony began.]
From: Royal Wedding: David Beckham's last-minute OBE switch


See Also:

• Wikipedia article
• More about "chivalric order"

Compiled by Jill A Hurley