While the UK’s honours system is undoubtedly problematic, it does play a role in celebrating people who have contributed to society.
Alongside the usual friends and cronies of government are some truly great community heroes who have put in a lifetime of service.
And, yes, the celebrities get a look in too. Here we look at some famous faces who made King Charles’s first birthday honours list.
1. Sir Martin Amis
Author Martin Amis was given a knighthood a day before his death last month, aged 73. Amis’s family lived in north London, and Martin really stamped his mark on London with novels set in the city, including London Fields. (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Online USA)
2. Ian Wright OBE
Crystal Palace, Arsenal and Match of the Day legend Ian Wright, who lives in Queen’s Park, was made an OBE.
3. Davina Macall MBE
TV presenter Davina McCall was made an MBE. Davina was born in Wimbledon and went to school in Hammersmith and Surrey. (Photo by Steve Finn/Getty Images)
4. Ian McEwan CH CBE FRSA FRSL
Acclaimed author Ian McEwan, author of Amsterdam and Atonement, was made a companion of honour . (Photo by Mike Moore/Evening Standard/Getty Images)