This article explores why some prominent figures have declined or returned royal honours bestowed upon them, highlighting their reasons ranging from personal beliefs to political stances.
Being recognised on the New Year's Honours list or receiving a nod for the Monarch's Birthday Honours is considered a great privilege by many. However, there are those in the spotlight who have refused the accolade, with some stars choosing to decline and others returning their awards later. These prestigious honours are given to individuals like local heroes, charity advocates, and various professionals as a thank you for their contributions to the nation.
The honours typically reflect immense gratitude towards those who've dedicated themselves extensively in their respective areas. Still, not everyone has welcomed this royal recognition, with a number candidly saying 'no thank you.' A plethora of notable personalities and intellectuals have spurned these honours due to political views or personal beliefs of being unworthy of such distinctions. Below is a rundown of some well-known figures who have passed up the opportunity for Royal commendation . The former Beatle rejected an OBE in 2000. It is believed George turned down the award because his former bandmate Paul McCartney had been knighted earlier in 1997 and he hadn't previously made the cut. Friend Ray Connolly, who knew The Beatles well, said : 'Whoever it was who decided to offer him the OBE and not the knighthood was extraordinarily insensitive. George would have felt insulted - and with very good reason.' Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders turned down OBEs 'for services to comedy drama' in 2001. It was only later they explained. Saunders told Source magazine: “If I felt I deserved a Damehood I’d accept it. “At the time, we felt that we were being paid very well to have a lot of fun. It didn’t seem right somehow. We didn’t deserve a pat on the back. It felt a bit fake to stand alongside people who devoted their lives to truly worthy causes.” Every Beatles member was awarded an MBE in 1965. But John Lennon famously returned his four years later in 196
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