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London (CNN) - The UK Cabinet Office has issued an apology after the addresses of several recipients of the New Year honors list were accidentally published online.
A spokesman for the Cabinet Office told CNN that a version of the list, which includes lawmakers, celebrities and senior police officers, was uploaded by mistake and then withdrew.
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The list of honors is published every two years, once in the New Year and then again for the queen's birthday, and recognizes excellence in a spectrum of activities, ranging from arts and athletics to science and politics.
This year's list, consisting of 1,097 people in total, included famous faces such as Elton John, "Grease" star Olivia Newton-John and director Sam Mendes.
I'm humbled and honored to be among such highly esteemed company in receiving the Companion of Honor.
2019 has turned out to be a truly wonderful year for me and I feel extraordinarily blessed.
Elton xx pic.twitter.com/iam3EItGYH
- Elton John (@eltonofficial) December 27, 2019
A government spokesman said in a statement: “A version of the 2020 New Year Honors list containing the addresses of the recipients was mistakenly published. The information was deleted as soon as possible. We apologize to all those affected and we are investigating how this happened.
"We have informed the matter to the ICO (Office of the Information Commissioner) and we are contacting all those affected directly."
Winners receive their medals during approximately 30 separate investiture ceremonies throughout the year at Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle.
Queen Elizabeth II names the new knights with a sword that belonged to her father, George VI.
The honors system, explained
Although gentlemen and ladies may be the best known, there is a hierarchy of ranks in the honors system, according to the UK government.
At the highest level is the Companion of Honor, awarded to those who have made important contributions in the arts, science, medicine or government for a prolonged period.
Then, the distinction of being a gentleman or a lady is conferred on those who have made long-term national contributions considered inspiring or significant.
The Commander of the Order of the British Empire, or CBE, is for those who have played a "prominent, but minor, role at the national level, or a leadership role at the regional level," according to the UK government.
The Officer of the Order of the British Empire, or OBE, is for those who have played an important role in local activities, and through that they have become known nationally in their field.
The member of the Order of the British Empire, or MBE, is for outstanding achievements or community service.
Finally, the British Empire Medal, or BEM, is for those who have provided a “practical” service for their local community, including voluntary activity or innovation work.
Laura El-Tantawy and Jonny Hallam of CNN contributed to this story.
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