Most Excellent Order of British Empire Meaning Explored as Blackpink Become Honorary MBEs

The four members of Blackpink—Lisa, Jisoo, Rosé, and Jennie—have recently received the honorary Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire award from King Charles at Buckingham Palace during their visit to the United Kingdom. The award ceremony took place on November 22, 2023, in the 1844 Room of Buckingham Palace.

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire or MBE is the third highest-ranking order for awards of the British Empire. The award also stands for an outstanding service or achievement in the community that has made a long-term and significant impact. Thus, receiving the MBEs is a huge honor for Blackpink members.

King Charles awards Blackpink with honorary MBEs at Buckingham Palace

King Charles organized a special investiture in the 1844 Room at Buckingham Palace on November 22, 2023, to present the members of Blackpink with the honorary MBEs. Jisoo, Lisa, Jennie, and Rosé received the medals in recognition of their roles as official advocates for the highly important upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) that will take place in Glasgow.

Notably, Rosé’s MBE medal is “substantive” rather than simply honorary as the artist holds dual citizenship of New Zealand, which makes her a national of the British realm. The President of South Korea, Yoon Suk Yeol, and First Lady, Kim Keon Hee, were also present at the honorary investiture for Blackpink. They are currently on a state visit to the U.K.

Previously, King Charles hosted a grand banquet at Buckingham Palace for the South Korean president and first lady on November 21, 2023, where the Blackpink members were present. During the white-tie banquet, King Charles gave a speech, briefly addressing the K-pop idols. He said, “I applaud Jennie, Jisoo, Lisa, and Rosé—better known collectively as BLACKPINK—for their role in bringing the message of environmental sustainability to a global audience. I can only admire how they can prioritize these vital issues, as well as being global superstars.”