What award did J.K. Rowling receive from Queen Elizabeth II in 2017?

J.K. Rowling received the honour of Companion of Honour from Queen Elizabeth II in 2017.

The appointment was announced in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list in June 2017. Rowling was recognised for services to literature and philanthropy. The Order of the Companions of Honour is a small British and Commonwealth order whose members are acknowledged for major contributions in the arts, science, medicine, or public service.

The honour is distinct from a damehood. Rowling was appointed a Companion of Honour, abbreviated CH, rather than being made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire. She had previously received an OBE in 2001 for services to children’s literature and was made a member of the Order of the Companions of Honour in 2017.

The order was founded by King George V in 1917. It has a limited number of living members, making the appointment especially notable. Rowling’s recognition combined her literary achievement with her charitable work.