J.K. Rowling received an OBE, or Officer of the Order of the British Empire, in 2001.
The honour recognised her services to children’s literature. Rowling was appointed in the 2001 New Year Honours and formally received the award later that year. The Order of the British Empire is a British order of chivalry recognising contributions to the arts, sciences, public service and other areas of national life.
OBE is one level within the order. It is higher than MBE, which means Member of the Order of the British Empire, and lower than CBE, or Commander of the Order of the British Empire. Rowling was not made a dame through this honour.
The award followed the extraordinary success of the early Harry Potter books, which had made Rowling one of the best-known contemporary children’s authors. It was separate from later literary prizes and honorary degrees.