Which British honor was J.K. Rowling appointed to receive in 2001?

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

The honor is commonly abbreviated as OBE. Rowling received it in the 2001 Queen’s Birthday Honours for services to children’s literature. An OBE is a rank within the wider British honours system, which recognizes contributions to public life, professions, and communities.

The OBE is distinct from an MBE, which is a lower rank, and a CBE, which is a higher rank within the same order. Rowling’s appointment followed the international success of the Harry Potter books and their growing influence on children’s reading.

Rowling has received many other honors and awards during her career, including literary prizes and honorary degrees. An OBE is not the same as a knighthood or damehood: recipients do not use “Sir” or “Dame” solely because they hold this rank.