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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
PA Reporters

How does the British honours system work?

King Charles III Andrew Matthews Gary Oldman the Order ofBritish Empire Windsor Castle
Sir Alan Bates, founder of Justice for Subpostmasters Alliance, after being made a Knight Bachelor by the Princess Royal during an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle (Andrew Matthews/PA) - (PA Archive)

The release of the King’s Birthday Honours provides an opportunity to celebrate individual outstanding achievements and contributions to British society.

But who decides how honours are handed out, and what exactly do they recognise?

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