As King Charles III's New Year Honours list for 2026 is confirmed, bestowing recognition upon a new cohort of notable individuals, it casts a spotlight on a more rebellious tradition. Throughout the decades, a number of Britain's most celebrated figures have made the conscious decision to decline royal honours, from MBEs to knighthoods, often for deeply held personal or political convictions.
The Honours System and Its Notable Rejections
The British honours system, rooted in medieval orders of chivalry, aims to recognise those who have made significant achievements in public life or dedicated themselves to serving the nation. It celebrates long-term volunteers, community champions, innovators, and individuals displaying moral courage. The hierarchy ranges from an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) and OBE (Officer), up to a CBE (Commander), and finally knighthoods or damehoods (KBE/DBE) and the prestigious GBE (Knight or Dame Grand Cross).
Yet, for some, the association with the word 'Empire' or a belief that their work does not merit state recognition has led to a very public refusal. Here are some of the most prominent celebrities who turned down the offer.
Voices of Principle and Protest
Benjamin Zephaniah, the acclaimed Birmingham-born poet, publicly rejected an OBE in 2003. He stated his refusal was a protest against British government policies and the legacy of the British Empire. In a powerful article for the Guardian, he explained that the term 'empire' reminded him of slavery, brutality, and the rape of his foremothers. He described himself as "profoundly anti-empire". Zephaniah passed away in December 2023.
The legendary comedy duo Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders were offered OBEs in 2001 for services to comedy drama but declined. Saunders later clarified that while honoured, they felt they were simply being well paid to have fun and that the award should go to those devoted to more worthy causes.
Similarly, TV chef Nigella Lawson turned down an OBE in the same year, modestly stating, "I'm not saving lives and I'm not doing anything other than something I absolutely love."
Knighthoods Declined and Awards Returned
In the world of science and music, refusals have also made headlines. The late astrophysicist Stephen Hawking revealed in 2008 he had turned down a knighthood in the 1990s, a step above the CBE he held. While his precise reasons were private, it was suggested government cuts to science funding may have influenced his decision.
Music icon David Bowie was unequivocal about not wanting a knighthood, stating, "I seriously don't know what it's for. It's not what I spent my life working for." He diplomatically added that while it was Sir Mick Jagger's choice to accept, it was not for him.
John Lennon initially accepted an MBE in 1965 but returned it in 1969 in protest against Britain's foreign policy, specifically its involvement in Nigeria-Biafra and support of America in Vietnam. He sent the medal back to the Palace with a note signed "With Love, John Lennon of Bag".
Fellow Beatle George Harrison declined an OBE in 2000. While his exact reasoning was not publicised, a friend suggested he may have felt insulted that bandmate Paul McCartney received a knighthood while he was offered a lower honour.
Actor Michael Sheen made the significant decision to return his OBE in 2017 after researching the history between England and Wales. He explained that after preparing a lecture on the subject, he felt he had to choose between keeping the honour or speaking his truth.
John Cleese of Monty Python fame dismissed a CBE offer in 1996 as 'silly'. He was later considered for a peerage but rejected it because being a working peer would require him to spend winters in the UK, which he felt was "too much of a price to pay".
These acts of refusal highlight that for some of the UK's most prominent figures, personal integrity, political stance, or simple humility have outweighed the prestige of a royal honour. As new names are added to the King's list each year, the stories of those who said 'no' continue to resonate as powerful statements of individual conscience.
