The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is an order of chivalry established on 4 June 1917 by King George V.[1][2] The Order is composed of five classes in civil and military divisions.

In descending order of seniority, these are:

Knight Grand Cross or Dame Grand Cross of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (GBE)[a]

Knight Commander or Dame Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (KBE or DBE)

Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE)

The Order's motto is For God and the Empire.


Sir Elton Hercules John CBE (born Reginald Kenneth Dwight on 25 March 1947)