‘Order of the British Empire’ - time to change?

[DuncanBiscuits]

Looking at the Honours list this morning, it occurred to me that it’s odd to still use ‘the British Empire’ in the name of the gongs, given the facts:

a) the Empire no longer exists.
b) it wasn’t exactly something to be proud of when it did.

I think if I ever did something worthy of an award (highly unlikely), being awarded one in the name of the Empire would put me right off accepting.

Anyone else surprised they haven’t updated the awards system to reflect a more modern outlook?

No, not necessarily. You have to have a “profile”, which is usually more performative good than worthy.

Well, I know three people on this years list and the honours are well deserved.

They aren't on the list just because they have a 'profile' or because they're corrupt. These are normal people who have made a difference in the world. I'm delighted for them.

It's just a name for a very old traditional award. Order or the garter is just as anachronistic

Personally, I can't wait for the 'Order of the English Republic' and whatever decorations the independent Welsh and Scottish states would choose, and an all-Irish set of gongs would appear.