HONIARA, Solomon Islands: A total of fifteen nationals will be awarded medals during the King’s Birthday celebrations on Friday, 13 June at the National Stadium.
The Honors and Awards ceremony will be officiated by His Excellency, the Governor General, Sir David Tiva Kapu.
The medals are awarded following nominations to the Honors and Awards Committee, which is tasked to recommend successful nominees for approval by Buckingham Palace in recognition of their long and dedicated services to the country in their respective careers.
One recipient will be conferred to be a Knight of the British Empire (KBE), while another will be bestowed to be a Commander of the British Empire (CBE).
Three recipients will be bestowed to be Officers of the British Empire (OBE), while seven will be bestowed to be Members of the British Empire (MBE).
The remaining three recipients will be bestowed with the British Empire Medal (BEM) and the King’s Police Medal.
The King’s Official Birthday is a public holiday and is regarded as one of the important national events of the year in the country.
The day starts with a police parade and marching band performing at the National Stadium. It will also include a speech from the Governor General, who will also officiate the presentation of Honors and Awards and a pardoning ceremony.
The King’s Official Birthday is the selected day in most Commonwealth realms on which the birthday of the monarch is officially celebrated in those countries, including the Solomon Islands. The celebration does not necessarily correspond to the date of the monarch’s actual birth.
Since Independence in 1978, the birthday of the reigning King or Queen has been celebrated in June each year in both Britain and the Solomon Islands.
The country recognizes and celebrates this holiday because the King is the head of state of Solomon Islands, represented by the Governor General.
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