The ‘Fountain of Honour’

In the distant past, titles and honours would have been the sole preserve of the monarch. In medieval times, the monarch could give gifts of money or land via a preferential system that later gave way to appointment to orders of chivalry. Society has since transformed and, as the roles of the monarchy and government have changed, parliament and the Cabinet are now responsible for nominating almost all recipients, although the awards and honours are still made in the name of Her Majesty The Queen.

Today, awards and honours are more democratic, as anyone can recommend someone for an award, and focus on recognising individuals’ contributions to society. That could be through charity work and fundraising, via military careers or government service, or for their contribution to areas that enhance all our lives, such as science, culture and the arts. Eagerly awaited by the public, the Honours Lists are released twice a year: at New Year and on The Queen’s official birthday in June. From paramedics and teachers to lollipop ladies and foster parents, the honours provide an opportunity to recognise people for their extraordinary actions.

In recent years, many of the United Kingdom’s successful sportspeople have received knighthoods and damehoods, including Sir Lewis Hamilton, Sir Andy Murray and Olympic cyclists Sir Jason and Dame Laura Kenny. In 2021, Christopher Le Brun, former president of the Royal Academy of Arts and the designer behind the famous Kew Gardens UK 50p coin, received a knighthood for his work in the arts. The Queen has personally presided over hundreds of investitures and tradition remains, with the ‘dubbing’ of knights and dames taking place with a sword that belonged to George VI.

Along with knighthoods, the most well-known awards are probably the MBE and OBE, as well as military medals such as the George Cross, which was established by The Queen’s father George VI to recognise bravery when not under enemy fire. Queen Elizabeth II, just as the monarchs who have gone before her, has also left her own mark with the Elizabeth Cross, which was introduced in 2009 to honour families who have lost loved ones in conflict or to terrorism. To mark Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee, a medal will be awarded to serving frontline members of the police, fire, emergency services, prison services and armed forces as a mark of the nation’s thanks.

Her Majesty’s role as the United Kingdom’s ‘fountain of honour’ is celebrated on the first coin in The Queen’s Reign Collection. Created by the artist and illustrator P. J. Lynch, the coin’s reverse design represents the range of honours and investitures within The Queen’s gift with a selection of medals and honours.