At the start of every New Year, the New Year honours list recognises the achievements and service of people across the UK, from all walks of life.
In a tradition dating back to at least 1890, the awards will be presented by or in the name of the Queen.
Along with the Queen’s Birthday honours, they are the most significant announcements of civilian and military gallantry awards.
But when will the New Year’s honours list for 2021 be announced?
The full list will be published by the London Gazette on January 2nd but will be available online a few days earlier.
There were only two years where the list wasn’t released on New Year – 1902 when it was instead published on the King’s birthday the previous November and in 1940 due to the outbreak of World War Two.
The 2021 list is expected to be made up of a number of NHS and emergency service staff who have worked tirelessly through the coronavirus pandemic.
If you wish to see previous recipients, you can see all Birthday and New Year honours supplements from 1940 to 2019 here.
You can also take a look at the New Year honours supplements from 1860 to 1939 here.
What types of honours are there?
The major Queen’s Honours include a knighthood or damehood (KBE or DBE), Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE), Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE), and Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).
OBEs, MBEs and CBEs are more focused on local achievements, whether in business, community or charity.
CBEs are the most prestigious of the three, and are awarded for prominent or leading roles at a national or regional level.
Other honours include The George Medal, The Queen’s Gallantry Medal, and the Royal Victorian Order (RVO).
Why are people awarded honours?
The honours system recognises ordinary people and celebritiess who have made achievements in public life or committed themselves to serving and helping Britain.
They’ll usually have made life better for other people or be outstanding at what they do.
If someone is being given a civilian gallantry award, it means they have attempted to or saved the life of a British citizen who isn’t a family member or close friend.
What are the New Year’s Honours judged on?
Nominations are judged on:
- degree of risk
- how aware the nominee was of the danger
- persistence
People are also given honours for achievements such as:
- making a difference to their community or field of work
- enhancing Britain’s reputation
- long-term voluntary service
- innovation and entrepreneurship
- changing things, with an emphasis on achievement
- improving life for people less able to help themselves
- displaying moral courage
The fields in which people can be given an honours are:
- community, voluntary and local services
- arts and media
- health
- sport
- education
- science and technology
- business and the economy
- civil or political service
How do you get nominated for honours?
Anyone can nominate someone for an honour on the gov.uk website.
Once someone is nominated, the honours committee will review the person and check they are suitable for receiving an award.
Reviews are carried out by various government departments.
