J. K Rowling Among Authors Names in Queen’s Birthday Honours

Firstly, a very happy birthday to Queen Elizabeth II today on what is her official birthday. Traditionally the day is marked with many celebrations, the Trooping of the Colour, and the Queen’s Birthday Honours.

Among this year’s honours are several authors, recognised by the Queen for their service in this honour’s list.

J. K Rowling has been made companion of Honour for her services to literature and philanthropy. The title recognises services of National Importance and is limited to 65 individuals at any time. Rowling was once considered richer than the queen according to the Times Rich List, but has now fallen out of the list as she has given so much of her money to charity, making her a worthy candidate for this honour.

The Snowman creator, Raymond Briggs has also been recognised, and given a CBE, as has Faber writer Ronald Blythe, but it’s not only authors who have been recognised in the honours. Virago Press founder Carmen Callil becomes a Dame, and Adrian Turpin, founder of the Wigtown Book Festival has been given an OBE.

Tejinder Kumar Sharma was also made a medallist of the Order of the British Empire for services to Hindi Literature in the honours.