J.K. Rowling Named Companion of Honour in Queen’s Birthday Honours List

Our own “queen,” J.K. Rowling, has again been recognized in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list, this time as a Companion of Honour for services to literature and philanthropy.

She was previously awarded an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) in 2000 for services to children’s literature.

The Order of the Companions of Honour is awarded for “having a major contribution to the arts, science, medicine, or government lasting over a long period of time,” and it can have no more than 65 living members at a time. Rowling will join current members such as Potter actress Dame Maggie Smith (who received the honor in 2014), actor Sir Ian McKellan, and physicist Stephen Hawking.

Jo is quoted as saying, “I’m deeply honoured and proud to be nominated for this honour… and to be included in the distinguished and diversely talented company of the other Companions of Honour.”

Meanwhile, Harry Potter actress Julie Walters (Molly Weasley) was also among this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours: She will be awarded a damehood for services to drama.

 

Photo Credit: BAFTA/Chris Floyd

 

The Order of the British Empire, along with the Order of the Companions of Honour, was established in 1917 by King George V. You can see this centenary year’s full list of recognitions here.

Congratulations to Jo and to Julie! We wonder if a damehood might be coming Jo’s way in the future…

Catherine Lai

I have been a fan of Harry since 2000, a fan of MuggleNet since 2005, and a MuggleNet team member since 2013. I believe in the power of stories to bring people together, and nothing does that quite like Harry Potter. I live in Toronto, Canada.