While the Honours system today often sees celebrities recognised for their contributions to society, the tradition has roots in military awards dating back to the Norman Conquest of 1066.
In 1917, King George V created the OBE (Order of the British Empire) to honour those in non-combatant roles in World War I, as well as the Companions of Honour, recognising those who had contributed to Arts, Science and Medicine.
But in 1940, this expanded to those who had shown “gallantry and acts of bravery not in the face of the enemy.”
But not everyone is keen to receive one, as these celebrities demonstrate.
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Celebrities who refused or returned Royal Honours
Michael Sheen
Actor Michael Sheen handed back his OBE in 2017 after researching Welsh history for a Raymond Williams lecture.
He was made an OBE in the 2009 New Year Honours for his services to drama, but later shared in an interview: “By the time I’d finished writing that lecture, I remember sitting there going: ‘Well, I have a choice. 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’.”
He felt it also allowed him to view his opinions of the Royal title the Prince of Wales.
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John Lennon
While all four Beatles received MBE’s in 1965 for services to British industry, John Lennon returned his in 1969.
He wrote a letter to Queen Elizabeth II, stating “I am returning my MBE as a protest against Britain's involvement in the Nigeria-Biafra thing [civil war], against our support of America in Vietnam and against Cold Turkey [a song recently written by Lennon] slipping down the charts.”
Howard Gayle
Liverpool FC’s first black player was nominated for an MBE in 2016 for his campaign work with Show Racism the Red Card. However, he turned it down, writing on his Facebook page that “it would be a betrayal” if he accepted it.
Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders
The comedy duo known as French and Saunders turned down OBE’s in 2001, which were offered for services to comedy and drama.
Jennifer Saunders has since spoken about it in interviews, explaining that they felt that they didn’t deserve the honour alongside others who had done charity work, for example.
Benjamin Zephaniah
The poet and activist Benjamin Zephaniah turned down an OBE in 2003, stating in an article for the Guardian: “I am profoundly anti-empire”. However, he did point out that he had “nothing against her [Queen Elizabeth II] or the royal family.”
He was offered it for his services to literature, but he pointed out that “all they [poets] do is write; I spend most of my time doing other things” in reference to his activism.
Stephen Hawking
Known for his work on black holes and cosmology, theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking reportedly turned down a knighthood in the 1990s. His spokesman told The Telegraph that “Prof Hawking does not like titles. In fact he dislikes the whole concept of them.”
CS Lewis
The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe author CS Lewis reportedly declined a CBE in 1951 from George VI, as he wanted to avoid association with any political issues. This may not have been entirely surprising, however, as he rejected public political involvement throughout his life.
Danny Boyle
Director Danny Boyle was offered an honour in 2013 for his role in the London 2012 Olympics opening ceremony. But when speaking to the Radio Times, he admitted he felt that it wouldn’t have been right to accept it when thousands of people helped to create the spectacle.
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.”
