Robert Plant CBE

Robert Plant has been appointed a CBE (Commander of the British Empire) on the Queen's New Years Honors list, marking the second time that a member of Led Zeppelin has received an official accolade from Queen Elizabeth. Jimmy Page, Led Zeppelin founding member and guitarist, was awarded an OBE (Officer of the British Empire) in June 2005.

The tradition stretches nack to 1917. Honors are handed out twice a year, in June and at the New Year, and are awarded to people for all types of service, including the performing arts. The Queen's Honors "are bestowed in the name of Queen Elizabeth II and are recommended by a panel that considers suggestions from government departments and political parties as well as from members of the public."

FAST FACTS

There are five British orders of chivalry:
Knight Grand Cross (GBE) or Dame Grand Cross (GBE)
Knight Commander (KBE) or Dame Commander (DBE)
Commander (CBE)
Officer (OBE)
Member (MBE)

Past recipients of the prestigious CBE include Eric Clapton, Brian May and David Gilmour.

In 1965 the Beatles -- John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr -- became the first pop stars to be honored by royalty, when they received the MBE, the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. In 1969 Lennon returned his in protest of Britain's political involvement in Biafra and Vietnam.

Both McCartney and Beatles producer George Martin have since received the highest honor of knighthood.
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