J.K. Rowling was awarded the Order of the British Empire in 2001.
She received an OBE for services to children’s literature in the 2001 Queen’s Birthday Honours. The honour came after the first four Harry Potter novels had been published and as the series was becoming an international cultural phenomenon.
An OBE is a British order of chivalry recognizing contributions to public life or professional achievement. Rowling received the rank of Officer of the Order of the British Empire; it is not the same as a knighthood or a damehood.
Rowling received other major honours at different times, including the Legion of Honour from France in 2009. Because her books and charitable work generated many awards, the year 2001 is especially useful for distinguishing the OBE from her later international recognitions.