The King’s Awards
The King’s Awards
There are a number of King’s Awards which are awarded to community and voluntary groups, businesses and deserving individuals. These are:
The King's Award for Voluntary Service
The King’s Award for Voluntary Service is an annual award made to recognise and reward excellence in voluntary activities carried out by groups in the community.
The award was announced in 2002 as part of celebrations for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee, and was first known as The Queen’s Golden Jubilee Award.
It is given for outstanding achievement by groups of volunteers who regularly devote their time to helping others in the community, improving the quality of life and opportunity for others and providing an outstanding service.
Groups must be nominated: for example, by beneficiaries of their work, members of the public, representatives of public bodies, or other voluntary groups. Nominations are assessed by a regional committee before being passed to a national committee for final selection and recommendation to The King.
Details of winners are announced annually on 2 June (the anniversary of The King’s Coronation).
Winning groups receive a certificate signed by The King and a commemorative piece of crystal for display at the group’s main place of operation. The Awards are presented on behalf of The King by the local Lord-Lieutenant or Lieutenant-Governor.
Many different types of organisations have won the award since it was launched, including groups working to improve the local environment, running community centres, managing play schemes and supporting families.
For further information visit:
The King's Award for Enterprise
The King’s Awards for Enterprise are the most prestigious accolades for businesses and individuals in the United Kingdom. The entry process is rigorous and highly competitive, with a success rate of around 20% each year. The winners are announced annually on 21st April, the birthday of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
The business Award recognises outstanding achievements by UK companies in three categories: International Trade, Innovation and Sustainable Development. The minimum entry criteria are very straightforward: a UK-based business with a minimum of 2 full-time, or equivalent, employees and a track record of outstanding commercial success over 2 or 3 years, depending on the Award category.
Winners receive a wide range of benefits including use of the prestigious Award Emblem on company stationery and websites, on goods produced and on advertising material. Winners have reported worldwide recognition, added commercial value for the business, a boost to staff morale and extensive press coverage. The Award is formally conferred by a Royal representative. Winners also receive an invitation to a reception hosted by The King at Buckingham Palace.
The King's Award for Enterprise Promotion
The King’s Award for Enterprise Promotion recognises individuals who make outstanding contributions to enterprise culture in the UK. In contrast to the business Awards, individuals are nominated by others who are aware of, and would like to formally recognise, their enterprising achievements. The individual Awards do not expire and recipients are invited, with their nominators and the winning businesses, to the Buckingham Palace reception.
The King’s Awards for Enterprise are free to enter and all entries must be made online between 21 April and 30 September each year. To enter, nominate or for more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/queens-awards-for-enterprise/overview. The King’s Awards Office can also provide assistance by telephone on 020 7215 6880 or by email at info@queensawards.org.uk.
Congratulatory Messages
You can get a congratulatory message from The King on special birthdays and certain wedding anniversaries. The following procedures apply to those married in Northern Ireland
What is a congratulatory message?
In 1917 His Majesty King George V began the tradition of sending messages of congratulations to those of his subjects celebrating their 100th birthdays and 60th wedding anniversaries.
Congratulatory messages are issued on the following occasions:
- Birthdays – The King sends messages to individuals on the occasion of their 100th and 105th birthdays and then every year after.
- Wedding Anniversaries – you can request that The King sends her congratulations on Diamond (60th), 65th and Platinum (70th) wedding anniversaries and every year after
Congratulatory messages consist of a card from His Majesty. They come in a distinctive envelope, are sent special delivery through the Royal Mail and arrive, when possible, on the day of the anniversary.
You can find out more about congratulatory messages on the following information leaflet: