To ask if you know anyone who's got an honour (MBE, OBE etc)

[Schmetterling1]

Posting for traffic as it must be fairly rare! I nominated someone for an award and really hope that they get selected. While I impatiently wait (it's a long old process!) I'm really interested in what it's like to get one or for someone you nominate to get one. I keep amusing myself with imagining how he'll feel if he gets selected (as he so deserves to and although I know not everyone agrees with the honours system, it would mean the world to him) but I don't know what actually happens. I assume you get a letter in the post? What's it like? How long later do you go to the palace? Do you know what royal you're going to meet? I basically just want to read some positive stories because I haven't told him I've nominated him (as it would be horrible for him to know and then NOT get selected) so can't really talk about it but it's on my mind, especially as it's the Queen's birthday list next month so if he phones I keep thinking maybe he's got a letter and then ending up disappointed.

[Thisisworsethananticpated]

A close family member did
It was great , went to palace and then for lunch
I was quite young and forgot to go back to work
I always remember the day

Enjoy 😉 well done

[Schmetterling1]

Awww I really hope he gets it. All these stories are making me smile.

[Chicchicchicchiclana]

One of my closest friends is an OBE.

[DappledThings]

My uncle was knighted a few years ago. That was pretty cool!

[MovingNorthards]

I nominated someone a few weeks ago, who should have received it 40 years ago. They are now in their 90s so I added a note to say that I understood the process takes several months (the form advises you of this) but to be mindful of their age.

I had to build a case explaining why they were deserving, and source letters of support. It goes with the job in many fields where it's understood you will be nominated - but unusual people who fall between stools are undoubtedly more likely to not be recognised.

Captain Tom's must have been assessed quite quickly because of his age - which was the right thing to do! So I hope it's possible and they get their day out.

[Grumpycatsmum]

My cousin has one. It's for services to her industry which is very male dominated. She's very deserving of it but really not usually the most noticeable person in a room.

[fluffiphlox]

They’re not that rare. One person I know that has an MBE doesn’t miss an opportunity to tell you he’s got one. Ex copper.

[Evenstar]

I know two people with CBE’s, one for services to education the other for services to the community/charity. I don’t know how long etc sorry, as I didn’t know till afterwards (family members, but not immediate family)

[maddening]

Yes, OBE, V high up in his. Industry

[GertrudePerkinsPaperyThing]

I knew someone at university who now has one. She was horrible and a racist. She got it for working for the foreign office and then being a British ambassador so go figure.

[Pomplemousses]

Yes, I know a Paralympian and a man who used to work in commerce who have CBEs / OBEs. I have had dinner with someone with a knighthood, (from being in the police), and have stayed at a Lady's house a few times. She was married to a Tory peer, but he had died before I met her. I also knew a baroness in passing. She knew my grandparents quite well and came to their funerals etc.

[Butteredtoast55]

My brother in law for services to the British Army. His was given by the Queen and he and DSIL had a great day.

[user7891011]

My mum got one and I was her plus one. You don't really meet the royals as such unless you are in a good position in the crowd i.e at the front. It's a gamble which royals will turn up on the day but it was a lovely relaxing day in the grounds with afternoon tea and brass band. You get a beautiful invitation in the post! There are so many people there of all ages and classes and varieties that you don't really feel special as such. But it's a nice day and good excuse to dress up!

[notanaturalmum]

My sister has one.
She had her investiture at the end of 2019. Probably one of the last ones before Covid hit. She took 3 guests, my parents and my nephew. My mum was so excited on the day. I had to wait outside and it was great atmosphere watching everybody line up to go into the Palace.
I feel sorry for the people who are having virtual investitures. What a missed opportunity.
Good luck to your friend.

[Schmetterling1]

I hadn’t thought about virtual investitures? Is that really a thing? That must be so disappointing - though of course you still have the honour (and full bragging rights for some - which I think is absolutely fair enough!)

[eechypeechy]

Both my parents have OBEs for their services to charity and my CEO at work is an MBE

[Stinkywizzleteets]

I have 2 relatives who have mbe, one for working with kids the other for business and another relative with an OBE for his work for the
Country (he won’t say more than that touches nose)

I think it’s a load of shite and would refuse if offered. I don’t think you get them for services to complaining

[RampantIvy]

Yes. A fabulous teacher at DD's old primary school. She started a school orchestra, got them through to the Music for Youth finals and they played at the Albert Hall.

She won Classic FM primary school music teacher of the year, then was awarded an MBE the following year. She is a lovely lady.

[Scrumbleton]

Yes numerous - ex husband got an OBE ( lovely day out at the palace and lunch at the Ritz afterwards), cousin and a friend got MBEs, another friend nominated in this year’s honours list for MBE, know at least 2 others with OBE’s- all were for public service roles except for my cousin.

[HeddaGarbled]

My friend’s dad got an OBE for being Principal of a grade 1 college in a deprived area. She tells me that entitles her to get married in St Paul’s Cathedral, though she may be pulling my leg.

[TruelyWonder]

My great uncle is a Sir ...... ...... QC (Hons) Whatever that means 🤷‍♀️

He has done a lot of good work to do with human rights. Don't want to say what exactly here as it could identify me with a quick Google.

[Schmetterling1]

I think that if he gets anything it will kind of be around MBE level. That’s just my guesswork though. The nomination took ages and ages and I had to get letters of support, too. I just wish I could be sure that if he gets it he will actually believe it and not bin it thinking it’s a scam. 🤣🤣

[IamMaz]

My late FIL received an OBE. Made him even more pompous!!!
He received it from the Queen at Buckingham Palace along with many others who were receiving awards on the same day.
Only 4 in total were allowed to attend in his party - him and his wife and his 2 sons [my DH].
I think my Brother-in-Law nominated him.

[btchymcbtchfce]

I know one person who has one. They are now in prison for domestic abuse crimes.

[btchymcbtchfce]

@HeddaGarbled

My friend’s dad got an OBE for being Principal of a grade 1 college in a deprived area. She tells me that entitles her to get married in St Paul’s Cathedral, though she may be pulling my leg.

That's most likely true as there is a small chapel there where they can get married, it's not the main cathedral though.