Has anyone refused an OBE?

Yes, many people have refused an Order of the British Empire (OBE), including celebrities like Dawn French, Jennifer Saunders, Jim Broadbent, Michael Sheen, and Nigella Lawson, as well as notable figures like Benjamin Zephaniah and C.S. Lewis, for reasons ranging from political objections to the Empire/Establishment, feeling they hadn't done enough, or preferring not to be associated with a system they found flawed.

Why did Nigella Lawson refuse OBE?

It was revealed by leaked Whitehall documents in 2003 that Lawson declined an OBE from Queen Elizabeth II in 2001, explaining that "I'm not saving lives and I'm not doing anything other than something I absolutely love."

Did David Bowie refuse a knighthood?

David Bowie

The singer-songwriter turned down a CBE in 2000 and a knighthood in 2003. He told The Sun that “it's not what I spent my life working for.”

Has anyone declined being knighted?

TIL David Bowie declined the honor to be knighted twice: “I seriously don't know what it's for. It's not what I spent my life working for.”

Has anyone ever been stripped of their knighthood?

The last knight to be publicly degraded was Sir Francis Mitchell in 1621. Recent examples of degradation include Sir Roger Casement, whose knighthood was canceled for treason during the First World War, and Sir Anthony Blunt, whose knighthood was withdrawn in 1979.

Why These 10 Celebrities REFUSED a Knighthood!

Did David Beckham just get knighted?

Former England captain Sir David Beckham received a knighthood at Windsor Castle on Tuesday. The football star, 50, was honoured for his services to sport and charity. "I couldn't be prouder," Beckham said. "People know how patriotic I am -- I love my country.

Why can't Americans be knighted?

This remains true today, meaning that Americans cannot receive a knighthood from their own country, because America is a republic and doesn't recognise the system of formal nobility that can be found in many other countries around the world where a monarchy or royal equivalent has endured.

Why was David Beckham not knighted?

David Beckham wasn't knighted for years due to issues with the UK tax office raising "red flags" over financial investments and tax avoidance schemes, coupled with leaked emails from 2017 where he allegedly insulted the honors system and committee, but he was finally knighted in late 2025, partly due to his relationship with King Charles III.
 

Was Stephen Hawking knighted?

English theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking was reportedly offered a knighthood in the 1990s, but turned it down. A spokesperson for Stephen Hawking previously said he 'dislikes the whole concept' of titles.

Why did the Queen not give Mick Jagger his knighthood?

Queen Elizabeth II reportedly avoided personally knighting Mick Jagger due to his anti-establishment image, past criticisms of the monarchy (calling her an "old witch"), and rumors of a relationship with her sister, Princess Margaret, making him seem an unsuitable candidate for an in-person ceremony, so she delegated the task to Prince Charles in 2003. While the government recommends honors, the monarch traditionally performs the investiture, but the Queen allegedly used a minor excuse (surgery) to skip it for Jagger. 

Did John Lennon get knighted?

2018 Starr was the second former Beatle to become a Sir, following Paul McCartney in 1997. George Harrison and John Lennon, meanwhile, remain among the un- knighted — and they're likely to stay that way, thanks to the current rules for knighthood, which state that a recipient must be alive to accept the honor.

Who is the only person to be knighted twice?

Sir David Attenborough is the person to be knighted twice, receiving a second, higher honor (Knight Grand Cross) in 2022 for his lifelong work in broadcasting and conservation, having been initially knighted (KBE) in 1985.
 

What did Mick Jagger say when David Bowie died?

When David Bowie died, Mick Jagger expressed shock, calling it "awful and unexpected," and shared heartfelt tributes on social media, stating Bowie was a true original, an inspiration, a friend, and that they had "so many good times together," promising he would "never forget him," while also regretting not speaking with him more recently. 

Has Michael Sheen been knighted?

Sheen, from Port Talbot, had been awarded the OBE in 2009 on the New Year Honours List for his services to drama. However, more than a decade later, the actor said he felt unable to hold onto the honour while speaking openly about his views on the British monarchy and Wales' constitutional position.

What dress size is Nigella Lawson?

Nigella Lawson - Is Her Weight Loss Causing Hair Loss? 'Domestic Goddess” and TV chef Nigella Lawson has been all over the headlines recently following a strict diet and exercise regime which has seen her shedding weight and moving from a size 16 to a size 12 dress size.

Did Stephen Fry refuse a knighthood?

"It was a warm and wonderful conversation. The King was very kind to me; he suggested I deserved this honour which is a rather wonderful thing to hear." Fry said he felt "startled and enchanted" after receiving the honour, insisting it came "out of the blue".

Was Alan Rickman knighted?

Alan Bennett declined knighthood and CBE. Michael Frayn declined knighthood and CBE. Alan Rickman declined a CBE. Albert Finney declined CBE and knighthood.

What were Stephen Hawking's last words?

Stephen Hawking's "last words" weren't spoken moments before death but were part of his final, recorded message to humanity, encouraging bravery, determination, and hope, concluding with a powerful message to "work together to make that future a place we want to visit," beamed to a black hole in 2018; he also left writings for his book Brief Answers to the Big Questions, reflecting on the universe, the lack of a God, and humanity's future, emphasizing curiosity and the importance of striving. 

What syndrome does David Beckham have?

David Beckham's most public health challenge is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), which he has openly discussed as requiring symmetry and order, leading to rituals like arranging items in pairs or lines and excessive cleaning. More recently, in mid-2025, he underwent surgery for an old, unresolved wrist injury from his football career, where a screw needed removal, causing a brief hospitalization but ultimately recovering well.
 

Who will be knighted in 2025?

The 2025 Knighthood Lists (King's Birthday and New Year) recognized many notable figures, including David Beckham, Gary Oldman, and The Who's Roger Daltrey as Knights, alongside Pat Barker and Elaine Paige as Dames, with recipients honored across arts, sports, science, and public service, with the full lists detailed in The Gazette and GOV.UK. 

Why did David Bowie not get knighted?

When asked about it afterward, Bowie said he “seriously didn't know what it was for,” adding that accepting such an honor was not “what I spent my life working for.” The offer would have made him “Sir David Bowie,” but he chose not to accept the title. This was not the first time Bowie turned down royal recognition.

Has a black person been knighted?

In 1886, Reeves became the first black Chief Justice of Barbados. He served in this position until his death in 1902. In 1889, Reeves was knighted by Queen Victoria, and became the first Barbadian, and the first black man, to be knighted by a British sovereign.

Can a US citizen accept a royal title?

Article I, Section 9, Clause 8: No Title of Nobility shall be granted by the United States: And no Person holding any Office of Profit or Trust under them, shall, without the Consent of the Congress, accept of any present, Emolument, Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince, or foreign State.

Can I buy a title of nobility?

Buying a traditional 'Lord' title or Lady title for most people is typically a long and near-impossible process. If you're not born into royalty, it's unlikely that you'll ever get the chance to truly experience what it feels like to have an official royal title.