Rocker Rod Stewart, director Peter Greenaway and television actress Penelope Keith were named Commanders of the Order of the British Empire in the Queen's New Year's Honors list Monday.

They will receive a medal and be entitled to list the initials CBE after their name. Previous CBE honorees include Eric Clapton and Queen guitarist Brian May.

"House" star Hugh Laurie was named an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE), which ranks below a CBE but above an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire), which is what the Beatles received in 1965.

The New Years honors list is unveiled by Buckingham Palace. Recipients of the awards are selected by the British prime minister. The Order of the British Empire honors were created by King George V in 1917.

Taken from Yahoo!