Originally the award was open only to British subjects living in the United Kingdom, but in 1985 the scope was extended to include people from the rest of the Commonwealth realms.

Recommendations to the King for the award of the Medal are made by a committee of eminent scholars and authors chaired by the Poet Laureate.

In recent times, the award has been announced on the (traditional date of the) birthday of William Shakespeare, 23 April.

However, Don Paterson was awarded the medal alongside the 2010 New Year Honours.

[2] The Gold Medal for Poetry was instituted by King George V in 1933 at the suggestion of the British royal court's poet laureate, John Masefield.