Honours are awarded by His Majesty The King in June (The Birthday Honours) and at the start of each year (The New Year Honours). There are many different Honours that can be awarded including Damehoods and Knighthoods, Commanders of the British Empire (CBE), Officers of the British Empire (OBE), Members of the British Empire (MBE), and Medallists of the British Empire (BEM).

ANYONE CAN NOMINATE SOMEONE FOR AN HONOUR. Nominate an individual for an Honour or find out more information about the process: Do the Honours.

Many nominations are made, and the process of considering each nomination is lengthy. Sometimes the Lord-Lieutenant or one of her Deputies is asked to comment on a nomination. It usually takes at least 18 months for the process to be completed. The number of nominations far exceeds the number of Honours given.

Recipients of all Honours apart from the British Empire Medallists are invited to Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle to receive their award. BEM Honours are presented on behalf of The King by the Lord-Lieutenant at ceremonies in Oxfordshire. Other Honours may be presented in Oxfordshire by the Lord-Lieutenant at the request of recipients.

2026 Birthday Honours List

Many congratulations to all those who were honoured in this year’s Birthday Honours List.  The Oxfordshire Lieutenancy was proud to see such a talented, interesting and diverse range of Oxfordshire residents being recognised for their hard work and contribution to society. Below is a list of those people from Oxfordshire who received honours:

Commanders of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)

  • Wendy Mira BECKER

  • Lisa Marie HARKER

Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)

  • John Gordon BOUMPHREY

  • Helen Clare HORNBY

Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)

  • Sally Elizabeth ALEXANDER

  • Sarah EBERLE

  • Jacquelyn Elizabeth GITAU

  • Anthony Roy PERKINS

  • Craig SIMMONS

  • Dr Stephen Michael SMITH

  • Adam TWINE

Medallists of the Order of the British Empire (BEM)

  • Melanie Jane HOULDERSHAW

  • Richard Geoffrey Horsford KEMP

  • Martin Brotherton SPURRIER