Member of the British EmpireMember of the British Empire Full size medal Unmounted with 15cm ribbon as required for swing mounting. Miniature size medal Unmounted with 10cm ribbon as required for swing mounting. The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire ( MBE ) is a British order of chivalry, rewarding contributions to the arts and sciences, work with charitable and welfare organisations, and public service outside the civil service.[2] It was established on 4 June 1917 by