Let’s be realistic—being granted a royal award is, for many, the ultimate stamp of approval in Britain. But not everyone is keen to kneel before the monarch for a gaudy medal. For some of the most high-profile names in the UK, the pomp and ceremony just isn’t their cup of tea. Either out of principle, politics, or sheer disinterest, these stars politely (or otherwise) said, “Thanks, but no thanks.” Here’s a top 10 list of the most iconic celebrity snubs to the throne—some daring, some humorous, and all quintessentially British.
10. L.S. Lowry – The Refusal Champion
If they gave an award for refusing awards, L.S. Lowry would win it—then send it straight back. The favorite artist of northern working-class life has the most royal honors turned down, including a knighthood, CBE, OBE, and even the coveted Companions of Honour (twice!). As his friend Harold Riley tells us, Lowry was not interested in ceremony whatsoever and didn’t want anything “attached to him.” He preferred to remain the same—low-key and honor-free.
9. Bernie Ecclestone – The No-Nonsense Speed King
When presented with a knighthood in the early 2000s, ex-Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone wasn’t coy. He explained he worked for himself, not England, and if England gained, well, that was okay, but that was never his intention. He also aimed a dig at fellow recipients, insisting many hadn’t earned it. In Bernie’s book, only those who have done something major for the country deserve the honor.
8. Jim Broadbent – The Reluctant National Treasure
In 2002, Oscar-winning actor Broadbent refused an OBE, explaining that he believed these honors went to people who do something positive for other people’s lives, and not to actors. He enjoyed the thought of actors staying outside the Establishment as “vagabonds and rogues.” Broadbent also made his refusal a moral and modest gesture by refusing to commemorate the British Empire.
7. Ken Loach – The Director Who Won’t Join the Club
Cinematographer Ken Loach declined an OBE in 1977, subsequently stating, “It’s not a club you want to join when you look at the villains who’ve got it.” To him, the system of honors was bound up with respect for the monarchy, patronage of old, and an exploitative empire. Rather than a medal, Loach preferred to continue producing films about the day-to-day struggles of ordinary people.
6. Dawn French & Jennifer Saunders – The Comedy Duo Who Turned Down Prestige
In 2001, Jennifer Saunders and Dawn French turned down OBEs for “services to comedy drama.” Saunders later said that they were being generously paid already to enjoy themselves and didn’t feel it was right to stand alongside those who had dedicated their lives to worthy causes. “If I thought I deserved a Damehood, I’d do it,” she said in jest—but for the moment, they’re content just to make people laugh.
5. Paul Weller – The Modfather Tunes Out of the King’s Band
The Jam and Style Council leader graciously turned down a CBE in 2006. His agent expressed that he was flattered and honored, but it just wasn’t for him. Weller has always done things his way, so it wasn’t a surprise he took a detour from the royal glare.
4. Stephen Hawking – The Scholar Who Craved Change, Not Ceremony
Stephen Hawking refused a knighthood in the late ’90s, apparently over government cuts to science budgets. Already a CBE recipient, Hawking utilized the rejection as a quiet protest, valuing funding for research above symbolic honor.
3. Roald Dahl – The Author Who Wrote His Ending
It was in 1986 that “Matilda” and “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” writer Roald Dahl turned down a knighthood. Although the reason itself is not confirmed, most think he must have been expecting something more than an OBE. His books have knighted him in the minds of readers globally, nonetheless.
2. David Bowie – The Starman Who Was Already Beyond Titles
David Bowie declined both a CBE in 2000 and a knighthood in 2003. “I would never have any intention of accepting anything like that,” he stated. “I seriously don’t know what it’s for.” He wasn’t dissing those who accepted, but for him, it just didn’t seem right. Bowie didn’t require “Sir” preceding his name—he was already a legend.
1. John Lennon & George Harrison – The Beatles’ Royal Rebellion
All four Beatles had accepted MBEs in 1965, but John Lennon famously sent his back in 1969 with a tongue-in-cheek letter to the Queen: “Your Majesty, I am returning this in protest against Britain’s involvement in the Nigeria-Biafra thing, against our support of America in Vietnam, and against ‘Cold Turkey’ slipping down the charts.” George Harrison, on the other hand, declined an OBE in 2000, said to have was offended it wasn’t a knighthood, particularly after Paul McCartney had been knighted three years previously. The Beatles had already reshaped music history; no medal was going to define them.