The Order of the Companions of Honour is a British order of chivalry. The spelling of the word is quite straightforward, with each syllable pronounced distinctly. The IPA phonetic transcription would be /ˈɔːdər əv ði kəmˈpænɪənz əv ˈɒnər/. The "o" in "order" is pronounced like "awe," the "a" in "companions" is pronounced like "uh," and the "o" in "honour" is pronounced like "oh." The stress is on the first syllable of "companions" and "honour."
The Order of the Companions of Honour is a prestigious British order established in 1917 by King George V to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to the arts, science, literature, medicine, or government. It is limited to only 65 members who are selected by the reigning monarch based on their exceptional achievements.
The primary objective of the Order of the Companions of Honour is to honor and acknowledge individuals who have attained distinguished positions within their respective fields and have made a substantial impact on society. The recipients are chosen based on their outstanding accomplishments and contributions over a sustained period, often demonstrating exceptional talent or outstanding service that has brought distinction to the United Kingdom.
The order is characterized by the title of "Companion" and the post-nominal letters "CH" that recipients may use to denote their membership. The Companions of Honour are considered to be among the most accomplished and influential individuals in their respective spheres, and their induction into the order serves as recognition of their outstanding achievements and contributions.
Membership in the order is for life, and recipients are entitled to wear an exclusive insignia comprising of a gold-plated oval medallion with the royal cipher in the center, suspended from a dark blue ribbon. The Order of the Companions of Honour exemplifies the highest level of recognition bestowed in the United Kingdom, symbolizing exceptional achievement and notable contributions in various realms of society.