What title did J.K. Rowling receive when she was appointed to the Order of the British Empire in 2001?

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

The appointment recognized Rowling’s services to children’s literature. The Order of the British Empire is a United Kingdom order of chivalry that honors contributions to the arts, sciences, public service, and other fields. Its grades include Member, Officer, Commander, and higher ranks.

Rowling’s honor came after the extraordinary success of the early Harry Potter books. By 2001, the series had become an international publishing phenomenon, and Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone had already been adapted into a major feature film.

An OBE is different from an MBE and a CBE. MBE means Member of the Order of the British Empire, while CBE means Commander of the Order of the British Empire. Rowling’s 2001 honor was the officer grade, commonly abbreviated OBE, rather than a later appointment to a higher grade.