December 31st 2024.
In 2025, King Charles has officially released the highly anticipated New Year honours list, a tradition that has been celebrated for generations. The list includes a diverse group of individuals who have been recognized for their contributions and achievements in various fields. For many, being awarded a knighthood or damehood is a lifelong dream, especially for A-list celebrities. In fact, many have proudly made their way to the Royal palaces to receive their medals from the late Queen Elizabeth II, King Charles III, or Prince William himself.
This year's honours list boasts an impressive lineup, with renowned figures such as Stephen Fry and Tom Baker being recognized for their outstanding accomplishments. Fry, who is known for his work in mental health awareness, the environment, and charity, has been knighted, while Baker, a beloved icon in the world of Doctor Who, has been made a Member of the Order of the British Empire for his contributions to television. Other notable individuals receiving honours include MasterChef's Loyd Grossman for his services to heritage, as well as Gareth Southgate and Sadiq Khan, both being knighted for their contributions to society.
However, not all stars are rushing to Buckingham Palace to claim their honours. Throughout the years, there have been several instances where celebrities have turned down the prestigious honours offered to them, for various reasons. Some felt that they did not deserve the recognition, while others held anti-monarchist beliefs. Let's take a look at some of the big names who have graciously declined their honours in the past.
One such example is Alan Cumming, who received an OBE in 2009 for his work in acting and activism for equal rights for the LGBTQ+ community in the US. However, in early 2023, Cumming made the decision to return his award, citing his growing awareness of the toxicity of the British Empire and its impact on indigenous peoples around the world. In a statement, he expressed his gratitude for receiving the honour but felt it was necessary to give it back in light of recent events.
Another celebrity who declined their OBE in 2009 was Michael Sheen, who believed that his home country of Wales should be independent from the United Kingdom. He also disagreed with Prince William being made the Prince of Wales, and as a result, returned his award. Sheen explained that he had a choice to either hold onto his OBE or give a lecture expressing his views, and he chose the latter, giving back his honour in the process.
Comedy duo Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders were offered OBEs in 2001 for their contributions to comedy and drama. However, they turned down the honours, feeling that they didn't deserve to stand alongside individuals who had dedicated their lives to worthy causes. Similarly, David Bowie declined two offers from the Queen's birthday honours list, saying that he didn't understand the purpose behind the awards and that it wasn't something he had worked towards in his career. He also chose not to express his views on the monarchy, given that he was living in the US at the time.
Sadly, some celebrities who have rejected their honours have since passed away, such as George Harrison, who turned down an OBE in 1997. His fellow Beatles bandmate Sir Paul McCartney accepted a knighthood, and in 2018, Sir Ringo Starr followed suit. However, journalist Ray Connolly, who knew the band personally, believes that Harrison would have felt insulted by the offer of an OBE instead of a knighthood.
Other notable figures who have declined honours include Nigella Lawson, who turned down an OBE in 2001, saying that she didn't feel she was making a significant impact or saving lives. However, she continues to inspire people with her delicious recipes and charming personality. The list also includes names such as George the Poet, Danny Boyle, Benjamin Zephaniah, Skepta, Paul Weller, Ken Loach, Vanessa Redgrave, Martin Amis, John Cleese, Brian Eno, Roald Dahl, Stephen Hawking, Jon Snow, LS Lowry, and John Lennon.
While the honours list is a highly esteemed tradition, it's also important to respect the decisions of those who choose not to accept them. After all, everyone has their own reasons, and it's ultimately a personal choice. As we look forward to the next New Year honours list, let's remember and appreciate the achievements of all individuals, regardless of whether they have an honour or not.
This story was first published on June 15, 2024, and continues to be a topic of discussion among the public. If you have a celebrity story, video, or pictures, we would love to hear from you! You can get in touch with our entertainment team via email, phone, or by visiting our Submit Stuff page. We're always excited to hear from our readers and share their stories.
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