British honorary awards

A Chara, – I was somewhat pleasantly surprised and delighted to learn, inadvertently, from your Letters page (July 11th) that Rachael Blackmore had received an award from our neighbouring state.

However, without detracting from this generous act, I am continually amused at the word empire being used in British honorary awards. Considering the misery inflicted on the great majority of that empire by its colonists, I would have thought being an MBE might be considered derogatory. This title should have fallen at the first hurdle and a declaration of new runners for an alternative title declared.

The word empire denotes subjugation and domination. Perhaps MABP “much admired by the British public” or HWE “Horse woman extraordinaire” might be more suitable. Anyway Rachael, heartiest congratulations. However, the legacy of empire lives on! – Mise le meas,

PETER SEAVER,