For many in the public eye, receiving a title like Sir or Dame represents the pinnacle of recognition. Yet, as the New Year Honours list for 2026 prepares to celebrate figures like Idris Elba and Ellie Goulding, a notable group of celebrities have chosen a different path, declining or even returning the accolades offered by the Royal Family.
Principle Over Prestige: The High-Profile Refusals
The tradition of refusing an honour is not new, but the reasons are as varied as the individuals themselves. David Bowie famously rejected both a CBE in 2000 and a knighthood in 2003. The iconic musician was unequivocal, stating he didn't know what such an honour was for and that it was not what he had spent his life working towards.
Similarly, the late Beatle George Harrison turned down an OBE in 1997, a year before his death. Reports suggest he felt insulted at being offered a lower award than the knighthood his bandmate Paul McCartney had accepted. Comedy duo Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders jointly refused OBEs in 2001, feeling their work in comedy was already well-rewarded and not on par with those dedicating their lives to charitable causes.
A Change of Heart: Honours Returned
For some, acceptance was followed by later regret. Actor Alan Cumming gratefully accepted an OBE in 2009 for his acting and LGBT+ activism. However, in early 2023, he publicly handed it back, citing a renewed awareness of the 'toxicity' of the British Empire's legacy, which was highlighted for him following Queen Elizabeth II's death.
Michael Sheen also returned his 2009 OBE after deep reflection on Welsh history and politics. The actor felt he could not, in good conscience, hold the honour while advocating for Welsh independence and disagreeing with Prince William's title as Prince of Wales. He stressed the decision was not meant disrespectfully.
In a politically charged move, Livia Giuggioli, Colin Firth's ex-wife and an eco-campaigner, dramatically handed back her MBE in 2025. She filmed herself tearing up the certificate, protesting Britain's 'appeasement' of former US President Donald Trump.
Humility and Collective Spirit
Other refusals stemmed from modesty or a belief in shared effort. Celebrity chef Nigella Lawson declined an OBE in 2001, feeling she was merely doing a job she loved, not saving lives. Film director Danny Boyle turned down an honour for his work on the spectacular London 2012 Olympics opening ceremony, insisting the credit belonged to the thousands who contributed to the collective effort.
The list of those who have said no is long and illustrious, including literary giants like Roald Dahl and Rudyard Kipling, scientists like Stephen Hawking, and artists like LS Lowry. Musicians John Lennon, John Lydon (Sex Pistols), and more recently Skepta have also refused honours, often citing anti-establishment views.
As the palace gates prepare to welcome a new cohort of honourees, these stories serve as a powerful reminder that for some of Britain's biggest names, personal conviction, political belief, or simple humility will always outweigh the allure of a title.
