A very small group of people know that Mark Knopfler was actually had the award of OBE. But, what does OBE mean?
The full name of Mark Knopfler is Mark Freuder Knopfler OBE. Mark is born on August 12, 1949, in Glasgow, Scotland. His roots are from the Jewish-Hungary family. Erwin Knopfler, father of Mark had origins from Hungary.
OBE stands for Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. It tends to be given to people who are in the public sphere or who have made big impacts locally, whether that’s in business or media or as part of a major charity. This award is given to around 500 people a year.
The Order includes five classes in civil and military divisions:
- Knight Grand Cross or Dame Grand Cross (GBE)
- Knight Commander (KBE) or Dame Commander (DBE)
- Commander (CBE)
- Officer (OBE)
- Member (MBE)
Only the two of the highest acts make the man a Knight, or the woman a Dame. With those acts they have the right to use the title “Sir” (for men) or “Lady” (for women) before their names. When an honorary knighthood is granted to someone who is not a part of the Kingdom of Queen Elizabeth II, the title should not be used before the name.
In 1999 Mark Knopfler was on the Queen’s Honours List for OBE (Order of the British Empire). On March 30th, 2000, Mark Knopfler was awarded an Order of the British Empire. He was also rewarded with the OBE – Officer of the British Empire.
The order has been criticized by certain individuals for its connection to the idea of the British Empire. Besides that, in addition to the other musicians and members of this order, the list includes Bono from U2, Sting (CBE), Robert Plant from Led Zeppelin (CBE), Brian May from Queen (CBE), Rod Stewart (CBE), Sir Mick Jagger from The Rolling Stones, George Martin (CBE), Eric Clapton (CBE), Sir Elton John.
Not everyone accepts these awards. David Bowie was offered with CBE and Knighthood, but he rejected both in 2000. He said: “I would never have any intention of accepting anything like that. I seriously don’t know what it’s for. It’s not what I spent my life working for.”
Alongside Bowie, on the list of the people who did not accept this award is the idol of Mark Knopfler, Hank Marvin. In 2006 it was offered to him an OBE award, but he declined citing “personal reasons.”
Facebook Comments