Honours
Sir Gavin Williamson Here, in Merrie Olde Englande, there are several national honours that are theoretically available to all citizens. At the lowest level and for good service in a wide range of fields you might receive The British Empire Medal (B.E.M.). Moving up, a more prestigious honour is the M.B.E. (Member of the British Empire) and above that is the O.B.E. (Order of the British Empire). Above that is the C.B.E. (Commander of the Order of the British Empire). Beyond these medals, a man may receive a knighthood and a woman may be awarded a damehood. This gives the bearer the right to be addressed as a "sir" - for example Sir Ian McKellen - who received his knighthood for services to theatre arts - similar to Dame Helen Mirren. Above this level your have barons and baronesses - a noble honour indeed but not all baronetcies get you a seat in the upper house of parliament - The House of Lords. That place is occupied by unelected hereditary peers, bishops and nomi...
