Financial Secretary Donald Tsang Yam-kuen becomes a knight in today's Queen's Birthday Honours list, which features many of Governor Chris Patten's most public supporters.
Also knighted are Executive Councillor Jimmy McGregor and flamboyant tycoon Gordon Wu Ying-sheung.
Paralympic gold medallist Benny Cheung Wai-leung receives an MBE, while war veterans' campaigner Jack Edwards and China Club owner David Tang get OBEs.
Government Flying Service crewman Jason Chan Siu-kei, who suffered severe burns while rescuing children from the Pat Sin Leng hillfire, receives the Queen's Gallantry medal.
Ronald So Chi-yip, also a flying service crewman, gets the Queen's Commendation for Bravery in the Air for rescuing people from the burning Garley Building.
Secretary for Security Peter Lai Hing-ling, Secretary for Constitutional Affairs Nicholas Ng Wing-fui, Secretary for Planning, Environment and Lands Bowen Leung Po-wing, Secretary for Transport Gordon Siu Kwing-chue and Commissioner of Police Eddie Hui Ki-on are given CBEs. Commander British Forces Major-General Bryan Dutton becomes a Companion of the Order of the Bath.