What rank of the Order of the British Empire was awarded to J.K. Rowling in 2001?

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

The honor is commonly abbreviated OBE. She received it in the 2001 Birthday Honours for services to children’s literature, reflecting the cultural and charitable impact of her work after the early Harry Potter books became major international successes.

The Order of the British Empire has several grades. MBE means Member, OBE means Officer, CBE means Commander, and higher ranks include KBE or DBE. Rowling’s award was an OBE, not an MBE or a damehood.

The honor is separate from later recognition. Rowling was made a Companion of Honour in 2017 for services to literature and philanthropy. That later appointment does not change the rank she received in 2001.