Receiving an honour from the British monarchy is considered one of the highest recognitions in the United Kingdom. Awards such as Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) or Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) are granted to individuals who have made meaningful contributions to society, whether through national achievements or long-term service within local communities.
However, these honours are not guaranteed for life. Under certain circumstances, they can be revoked through a process known as forfeiture.
This measure is typically applied when an honouree has been convicted of serious crimes, engaged in misconduct, damaged the reputation of the honours system, or been removed from a professional body. In such cases, the Honours Forfeiture Committee may recommend that the monarch formally withdraw the distinction.
Recently, several individuals had their honours removed, prompting renewed discussion about past cases where prominent figures lost their titles. Here are some of the most notable examples.
Harvey Weinstein
Film producer Harvey Weinstein was stripped of his honorary Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2020.
He originally received the honour in 2004 in recognition of his contributions to the British film industry. During his career, Weinstein was involved in producing acclaimed films such as Pulp Fiction and Shakespeare in Love.
His reputation collapsed in 2017 following numerous allegations of sexual harassment and assault that helped ignite the global #MeToo movement.
In 2020, Weinstein was convicted of sexual assault in New York and sentenced to 23 years in prison. That conviction was later overturned in 2024 by the New York Court of Appeals, which ordered a retrial. During the retrial he was found guilty on one count of criminal sexual conduct, while another charge resulted in acquittal and a rape charge ended in a mistrial.
Separately, Weinstein was convicted in Los Angeles in 2022 and received a 16-year sentence for rape and sexual assault.
Robert Mugabe
Former Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe lost his honorary knighthood in 2008.
The decision followed widespread condemnation of his government for human rights abuses and undermining democratic processes. At the time, British officials stated that it was no longer appropriate for Mugabe to retain an honour while presiding over policies associated with violence and repression.
The move was widely viewed as a symbolic condemnation of his leadership.
Rolf Harris
Entertainer Rolf Harris was stripped of multiple honours in 2015 after being convicted of indecent assaults against underage girls.
Harris had previously been awarded an MBE, an OBE and a CBE during a long career in television and entertainment, and he had also received a fellowship from British Academy of Film and Television Arts.
Following his conviction in 2014, he was sentenced to five years and nine months in prison. All of his honours were subsequently revoked.
Harris died in 2023 at the age of 93.
Jimmy Savile
After the death of television personality Jimmy Savile in 2011, investigations uncovered extensive sexual abuse carried out over decades.
Reports later suggested that hundreds of victims had been abused, with some estimates exceeding 450 individuals.
Many called for Savile’s knighthood to be formally revoked. However, under the British honours system, knighthoods are considered “living honours.” Once the recipient dies, the honour effectively ceases to exist, meaning there is no legal mechanism to remove it posthumously.
The Honours Forfeiture Committee later confirmed that forfeiture proceedings would have begun had Savile been convicted during his lifetime.
Naseem Hamed
Former boxing champion Naseem Hamed, widely known as “Prince” Naseem, lost his MBE in 2007 after serving a prison sentence for dangerous driving.
Hamed had been involved in a high-speed crash while driving at around 90 miles per hour, causing catastrophic injuries to another driver.
Following the conviction and subsequent sentence, authorities determined that he should no longer retain the honour.
Stuart Hall
Broadcaster Stuart Hall was stripped of his OBE in 2013 after being convicted of sexual offences against children.
Hall had received the honour just one year earlier in recognition of his work in broadcasting and charity. His conviction led to immediate calls for the honour to be withdrawn, which the authorities subsequently approved.
Fred Goodwin
Banking executive Fred Goodwin lost his knighthood in 2012 following criticism of his leadership of Royal Bank of Scotland.
The bank’s collapse during the global financial crisis of 2008 required a massive taxpayer bailout. In light of the controversy surrounding the crisis, the British government concluded that Goodwin’s honour was no longer appropriate.
He had originally been knighted in 2004 for services to banking.
Why Honours Can Be Removed
The revocation of honours remains relatively rare, but it serves as a reminder that these distinctions are tied to public trust. When the actions of recipients conflict with the values the honours system aims to represent, authorities may decide that the recognition should no longer stand.
Although most recipients retain their honours for life, these cases illustrate how serious misconduct or damaging actions can lead to their removal.
