🎉 The New Year’s Honours list is just around the corner, but did you know not everyone jumps at the chance for royal recognition? While many see it as the ultimate accolade, some high-profile figures have given it a pass! 🎖️
The list, which rolls out on December 30th, acknowledges thousands for their achievements and service. Yet, for some, it’s a no-go. From actors to authors, there have been quite a few famous refusals over the years.
Welsh actor Michael Sheen returned his OBE after delving into the history between England and Wales. Comedy duo Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders felt their successful careers in comedy were rewarding enough without additional honours. Similarly, musical legend David Bowie saw no reason to accept, believing it wasn’t what he spent his life working for.
Others like writer Roald Dahl and Professor Stephen Hawking also declined, whether due to personal convictions or disagreements with government policies. Even Beatles members had mixed feelings. John Lennon returned his MBE in protest, while George Harrison reportedly felt an OBE was an insult after bandmate Paul McCartney received a knighthood.
It’s not just entertainers who have declined. Poet Benjamin Zephaniah turned down an OBE, stating the term ’empire’ reminded him of negative historical connotations, while filmmaker Ken Loach felt honours represented values he didn’t support.
Whether for personal belief, political stance, or simply feeling undeserving, refusing an honour can be as newsworthy as accepting one. As we await the upcoming list, it’s fascinating to see whose names make the cut—and whose might not. What are your thoughts on accepting or declining such honours? 🤔 Let’s discuss in the comments!
#NewYearHonours #RoyalRecognition #HonourRefusals #FamousDeclines