THE KING’S BIRTHDAY HONOURS: GORDON BROWN, IMELDA STAUNTON, AND ALAN BATES AMONG THOSE RECOGNIZED
Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown, subpostmaster Alan Bates, and actress Imelda Staunton were among the notable individuals named in the King’s Birthday Honours for 2024. Brown received the prestigious Companion of Honour, while Staunton was made a Dame. Additionally, Bates was knighted and now holds the title of Sir Alan Bates. This recognition comes after his relentless efforts to secure justice for individuals wrongly accused of stealing money from the Post Office.
A STAR-STUDDED LIST OF HONOREES
The King’s Birthday Honours also included other notable figures from various fields. Strictly Come Dancing icon Amy Dowden, Countdown long-timer Susie Dent, TV writer Armando Iannucci, former footballers Graeme Souness and Karen Carney, and Duran Duran singer and songwriter Simon Le Bon were among the recipients of this prestigious recognition.
CELEBRITIES WHO DECLINED THE HONOURS
Over the years, several celebrities have turned down the esteemed honours offered to them, citing various reasons. Some felt they didn’t deserve the honours, while others held anti-monarchist beliefs. These big showbiz names chose to say ‘No’ when presented with the Queen’s or King’s birthday honours.
ALAN CUMMING RETURNS HIS OBE
In 2009, Alan Cumming received an OBE for his contributions to acting and his work for LGBT rights in the US. He expressed his gratitude for the recognition at the time. However, in early 2023, after 14 years, Cumming made the decision to return his honour. He stated that his eyes had been opened to the “toxicity” of the British Empire. Cumming explained that while he was initially grateful for the award, recent discussions about the role of monarchy and the exploitation of indigenous peoples under the British Empire prompted him to reconsider. He returned his award, emphasizing his reasons and expressing gratitude for the recognition he had received.
MICHAEL SHEEN’S REFUSAL
MICHAEL SHEEN RETURNS OBE AFTER CALLING FOR WELSH INDEPENDENCE
In a shocking move, actor Michael Sheen has decided to give back his OBE, which he was awarded in 2009. The Welsh-born star made the decision after realizing his belief in Welsh independence clashed with his acceptance of the honor. Sheen, known for his roles in films such as The Queen and Frost/Nixon, expressed his disagreement with Prince William being named the Prince of Wales. He explained his decision, stating, “I either don’t give this lecture and hold on to my OBE or I give this lecture and I have to give my OBE back.” Sheen wanted to continue giving lectures on Welsh history, so he made the difficult choice to return the award. However, he emphasized that his decision was not meant to be disrespectful and that he was originally “incredibly honored” to receive the OBE.
DAWN FRENCH AND JENNIFER SAUNDERS REJECT OBE OFFERS
Comedy legends Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders have turned down OBEs offered to them in 2001. The duo, known for their work in comedy and drama, felt that they did not deserve the honors. Saunders explained their decision, saying, “If I felt I deserved a damehood I’d accept it. At the time, we felt that we were being paid very well to have a lot of fun. It didn’t seem right somehow.” They both believed that accepting the honors would be insincere, as they did not feel they had dedicated their lives to truly worthy causes. French and Saunders have been highly successful in their careers, but they humbly declined the pat on the back.
DAVID BOWIE REJECTS QUEEN’S HONORS TWICE
Legendary musician David Bowie declined two offers of honors from the Queen. In 2000, he turned down a CBE, and in 2003, he rejected a knighthood. Bowie expressed his confusion about the purpose of such honors, stating, “I would never have any intention of accepting anything like that. I seriously don’t know what it’s for.” He also mentioned Mick Jagger’s acceptance of a knighthood, but made it clear that it was not his place to judge Jagger’s decision. Bowie, who resided in the USA at the time, chose to remain silent on his views about the monarchy. He made it clear that these honors were not aligned with his life’s work and values.
GEORGE HARRISON’S RESPONSE UNKNOWN
There is no information available about George Harrison’s stance on honors from the Queen.
GEORGE HARRISON REJECTED OBE BEFORE DEATH
In a shocking revelation, it has been revealed that late Beatles legend George Harrison turned down an OBE just a year before his untimely death. While his bandmate Sir Paul McCartney accepted a knighthood in 1997, Harrison refused the OBE he was offered. Tragically, Harrison passed away a year later at the age of 58 due to complications with cancer. The insensitivity of offering him an OBE instead of a knighthood has been criticized by journalist Ray Connolly, who knew The Beatles during their career.
NIGELLA LAWSON TURNS DOWN OBE
Renowned chef and TV personality Nigella Lawson has declined an OBE in 2001. Known for her delicious recipes and unique way of saying ‘microwave,’ Lawson has won the hearts of the public. However, she was not interested in accepting the honor and gave a similar explanation to other celebrities who turned down honours, like Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders. She stated that she is not saving lives and is simply doing something she loves.
CELEBRITIES WHO REJECTED HONOURS
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 are among the notable celebrities who have turned down honours. These individuals have chosen to forgo the recognition and prestige that comes with such accolades.
