The King is making a strong return to public engagements after taking time out to begin cancer treatment earlier in the year. In the last few weeks, he has undertaken several public facing engagements. On May 15th 2024, he and Queen Camilla attended an Order of the British Empire service at St. Paul’s Cathedral.
The King and Queen arrived at St. Paul’s Cathedral dressed in the rose pink robes of the Order of the British Empire. The Queen wore a floral day dress under her mantle while The King wore his naval uniform.
His Majesty looked to be in good spirits during the service where he joined almost 2,000 people in celebrating the Order. The service was attended by members of the Order.
Queen Camilla was recently made Grand Master of the Order by King Charles.
The lowest grade is the Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE), and is followed by the Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE), Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE), Knight or Dame Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (KBE/DBE), and the Knight Grand Cross or Dame Grand Cross of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (GBE).
King George V originally created the Order in 1917 to honour the many people who dedicated themselves to non-combat roles in the First World War. It now is awarded to highlight public service outside of the government, those who have done significant work for charitable organisations, and those who have contributed to the arts and sciences.
There has been criticism of the Order in the last decades due to its strong connection to the British Empire and the lasting effects of colonialism across the former Empire.
