The Order of the British EMPIRE is an order of chivalry established in 1917 by King George V. It is the most widely recognized and prestigious honor in the United Kingdom and Commonwealth realms, and is awarded for a wide range of services to the British EMPIRE. The Order of the British EMPIRE is composed of five classes: Knight Grand Cross, Knight Commander, Commander, Officer, and Member. The 6-letter answer to the crossword puzzle is 'OBE'.