As King Charles III prepares to announce the King’s New Year Honours 2026, which celebrate outstanding contributions across the UK, it’s fitting to reflect on some prominent personalities who have historically declined such honours.
The British honours system, rooted in centuries-old orders of chivalry, recognises individuals who have made significant public contributions—spanning volunteerism, innovation, science, arts, business, and beyond. Honours range from MBE and OBE to higher titles like knighthoods (KBE or DBE) and the prestigious GBE, conferring the titles of Knight or Dame.
While many accept these accolades with pride, some celebrities opt to refuse them, often for principled reasons.
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Benjamin Zephaniah, the Birmingham-born poet, famously declined an OBE in 2003. He cited the term “Empire” in the honour’s title as a painful reminder of historical brutality and oppression, stating his staunch anti-imperialist stance. Zephaniah passed away in late 2023 at age 65.
In 2001, comedy duo Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders turned down OBEs offered for their services to comedy drama, feeling they hadn’t “earned” such recognition compared to those who dedicated their lives to more serious causes. TV chef Nigella Lawson shared a similar sentiment, declining a 2001 OBE because she believed her work—though beloved—didn’t equate to life-saving efforts.
Astrophysicist Stephen Hawking revealed he declined a knighthood in the 1990s, potentially influenced by government science funding cuts. Music icons have also resisted honours: David Bowie openly rejected a knighthood, questioning its purpose, and John Lennon famously returned his MBE in protest of UK foreign policies.
George Harrison declined an OBE in 2000, reportedly feeling slighted that he was not offered a knighthood like fellow Beatle Paul McCartney. Actor Michael Sheen returned his 2009 OBE after researching the fraught history between England and Wales.
Monty Python’s John Cleese dismissed a 1996 CBE as “silly” and declined a peerage offer, unwilling to commit to the parliamentary responsibilities it entailed. Sir Paul McCartney declined a CBE in 2006, while author Roald Dahl refused a knighthood in 1986, preferring to maintain his privacy.
Formula One chief Bernie Ecclestone turned down honours in the early 2000s, citing misalignment with his business motivations. Journalist Jon Snow declined an OBE in 2000 and later criticized the opaque honours process.
Film director Ken Loach rejected an OBE in 1977, condemning its associations with monarchy and imperialism, while Danny Boyle declined recognition for the 2012 Olympics opening ceremony, insisting it was a collective achievement.
Painter L.S. Lowry reportedly declined multiple honours to avoid public attention. Welsh politician Neil Kinnock also refused knighthoods, uncomfortable with the honours system. Author Rudyard Kipling declined several honours around the turn of the 20th century, believing his work was best done independently.
Actress Honor Blackman, an advocate for an elected head of state, rejected a 2002 CBE and criticized peers who accepted honours yet avoided paying due tax. Actor Brian Cox turned down an OBE, feeling such awards should honour those who truly help others. Actor Jim Broadbent refused a CBE and a knighthood, critiquing the system as perpetuating snobbery.
Screenwriter Andrew Davies is reported to have declined an honour, though details remain private. Actor Albert Finney also likely declined a CBE during his lifetime.
Lastly, Sex Pistols frontman Johnny Rotten (John Lydon) rejected an MBE, consistent with his band’s rebellious ethos.
These refusals underscore the complex personal and political reasons individuals have for declining royal honours, reflecting diverse perspectives on recognition, identity, and the legacy of the British Empire.