Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of England has made Karel Mark Chichon an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE), in recognition of his services to music worldwide. The British Conductor was honoured in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List of 16 June 2012.

Karel Mark Chichon said “I am both surprised and honoured to be in the company of so many men and women who have achieved great things for Britain and have received an OBE. Growing up I never dreamt that one I would be getting one myself. Furthermore, it is extra special to receive such an honour during the Queen’s Diamond Jubliee celebrations – I feel very humbled.”

Other recipients have included actresses Kate Winslet and Catherine Zeta Jones, actor Colin Firth,  singer Kylie Minogue, footballer David Beckham, Golfer Luke Donald, singers Annie Lennox and Omar, etc.

OBE or Officer of the British Empire is the Second rank of membership into the Order of the British Empire, an honour awarded by the Queen of England.  It is usually awarded for outstanding service to the community or for excellence in a particular area such as sport, art or entertainment in the UK or in the Commonwealth.