Being recognised by the monarchy is often seen as a milestone, a moment celebrities might treasure forever. A royal honour can feel like the ultimate badge of appreciation. Yet, not everyone views it that way. Across recent decades, a surprising number of well-known figures have quietly declined or even returned their awards, each with personal reasons ranging from political convictions to simple discomfort with the idea.
This year’s New Year Honours List highlights figures such as Idris Elba, Olympic ice dancers Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean, and members of England’s Lionesses. These awards, including the CBE, MBE and OBE, are intended to recognise service and achievement throughout the UK. According to the Royal Family’s website, the Sovereign alone holds the authority to grant such distinctions, acknowledging individuals for merit, bravery or lasting contributions to society.
Still, there is a second story: those who said “no thank you”.
Artists and performers who stepped away from the spotlight of royalty
David Bowie declined two offers, a CBE in 2000 and a knighthood in 2003. He explained that the recognition did not match his personal definition of purpose, saying he never pursued his career for such rewards. While he refused to judge Mick Jagger for accepting his own honour, Bowie made clear that the system was not something he wished to be aligned with.
Alan Cumming accepted his OBE in 2009 for work in acting and LGBTQ advocacy, then returned it 14 years later. He cited a shift in his perspective following public discussions after Queen Elizabeth II’s death, saying that conversations regarding empire and the monarchy fundamentally changed how he felt. He expressed gratitude for the recognition yet chose to distance himself from its symbolism.
Michael Sheen also handed back his OBE. When preparing a lecture on Welsh identity and history, he felt compelled to choose between speaking honestly on his views and retaining the award. His research led him to believe that keeping the honour would conflict with his principles.
Comedy icons Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders declined MBEs for their services to entertainment. Saunders later explained that accepting the honour felt undeserved, given that they were being paid well to do work they found joyful. To them, the award felt more appropriate for individuals who had given their lives to public service or humanitarian work.
Chef Nigella Lawson also rejected an OBE in 2001. Her view was simple: she did not believe that doing something she loved qualified as an act worthy of royal recognition.
Refusals for political or moral reasons
Stephen Hawking reportedly declined a knighthood in the 1990s, with speculation pointing toward frustration with government cuts to scientific funding. The exact reasoning was never clarified, leaving a small air of mystery around the decision.
Poet Benjamin Zephaniah turned down his OBE in 2003 and spoke openly about why. In a letter published by The Guardian, he expressed that the word “empire” evoked the history of colonial violence and oppression. To accept the award, he stated, would feel like endorsing a system he fundamentally opposed.
Members of The Beatles were not unified in their stance. John Lennon returned his MBE in 1969, citing political motives and protest against Britain’s foreign policies. George Harrison later rejected an OBE in 1997, a moment described by acquaintances as an oversight by the honours committee rather than a neutral refusal. Paul McCartney, in contrast, accepted his knighthood that same year.
Filmmaker Danny Boyle declined recognition for his work on the 2012 Olympic opening ceremony, believing it would be unfair to take credit for a production created by thousands of contributors. He felt accepting would contradict the spirit of the project.
A reminder that royal honours are not one-size-fits-all
For some, the invitation to accept a title such as Sir, Dame or OBE is a proud moment. For others, it becomes a crossroads between public image and private belief. Whether rooted in political stance, discomfort with hierarchy or simply the feeling they have not “earned it”, their responses show that fame and honour do not always go hand in hand.
The New Year Honours List will always continue, marking the achievements of artists, athletes, campaigners and community heroes. Yet the voices of those who chose to refuse highlight a quieter, more complex side to recognition: that an award means little if it does not align with the recipient’s values.
