Guidance

Accepting foreign awards: UK rules

UK citizens must have The King's permission to accept and wear a foreign award. Permission will only be given if the award meets these UK rules.

• From: Foreign & Commonwealth Office and Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
• Published: 15 June 2012
• Last updated: 24 November 2021 — See all updates

Documents

Rules governing the acceptance and wearing of foreign and Commonwealth orders, decorations and medals by citizens of the United Kingdom and her Overseas Territories

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Details

UK citizens need to have His Majesty The King’s permission to accept and wear a foreign award. This permission will only be given if the award meets the UK rules on the acceptance of foreign awards.

The award should be for direct service to the foreign state within the past 5 years. Crown servants are not normally given permission to accept and wear foreign awards.

When a foreign government wishes to give an award to a UK citizen, their embassy or high commission in London should provide relevant details to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Royal, Ceremonial and Honours Unit. If the FCDO assesses that the proposed award is in line with the rules, we will consider granting permission for the individual concerned to accept and wear it.

Published 15 June 2012
Last updated 24 November 2021 + show all updates

1. 24 November 2021

   Updated to make the rules clearer and add information on non-military missions relating to some international organisations.

2. 15 June 2012

   First published.