What honor did J.K. Rowling receive from the British monarchy in 2001?

J.K. Rowling was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 2001.

The honor is commonly abbreviated OBE. Rowling received it in the 2001 Queen’s Birthday Honours for services to children’s literature. An OBE is part of the United Kingdom’s Order of the British Empire, an honors system recognizing contributions to public life, arts, science, and other fields.

The appointment came after the first four Harry Potter novels had become major international successes. By then, the books had helped make Rowling one of the best-known contemporary children’s authors, while charitable work connected with children also formed part of her public profile.

The rank is sometimes misstated as a damehood or as a Member of the Order of the British Empire. Those are different levels. Rowling later received other recognition, including the Companion of Honour in 2017, but the 2001 honor specifically was Officer of the Order of the British Empire.