King Charles Revokes Honorary Titles From Nine Individuals

King Charles III Revokes Nine MBE and OBE Honors This Month

This month, King Charles III has officially rescinded nine MBEs and OBEs, the prestigious accolades bestowed by the British monarch to acknowledge exceptional contributions to society.

The OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) is granted to individuals who have made a significant impact on their region or country. It specifically recognizes a “distinguished regional or county-wide role in any field, through achievement or service to the community including notable practitioners known nationally.”

Conversely, the MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) celebrates “achievement or service in and to the community which is outstanding in its field and has delivered sustained and real impact which stands out as an example to others.”

Choosing to withdraw these honors is an uncommon and highly serious measure. Nevertheless, as reported by Tyla, King Charles III stripped nine individuals of their MBEs and OBEs this month. The revocations were prompted by various reasons, including criminal convictions and behaviors that brought the honors system into disrepute.

Among the most notable revocations is that of former Scottish rugby player Stuart Hogg. Originally awarded an MBE in the 2024 New Year honors for his contributions to rugby, Hogg lost the title after pleading guilty to domestic abuse charges.

According to Tyla, the official announcement in The Gazette stated: “The King has directed that the appointment of Stuart William Hogg to be a Member of the Civil Division of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, dated 30 December 2023 shall be cancelled and annulled and that his name shall be erased from the Register of the said Order.”

Another highlighted instance involves Paul Allen Rose, the founder of Barrow’s Owl Sanctuary located in Cumbria. According to the News and Star, Rose was sentenced in May 2024 following a guilty plea to two charges of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal and one charge of failing to ensure animal welfare, violating Sections 4 and 9 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

The comprehensive list of individuals whose honorary titles were rescinded this month includes:

• Ian Ashbold, MBE 2016 – revoked due to criminal conviction
• Lloyd Hamilton, MBE 2011 – revoked due to criminal conviction
• Angela Middleton, MBE 2019 – revoked for bringing the honors system into disrepute
• Nigel O’Connor, MBE 2015 – revoked due to professional censure
• Tony Reilly, OBE 2011 – revoked due to professional censure
• Paul Rose, MBE 2002 – revoked due to criminal conviction
• Anant Shah, OBE 2020 – revoked for bringing the honors system into disrepute
• Graham Trewhella, MBE 2010 – revoked due to criminal conviction
• Stuart Hogg, MBE 2024 – revoked due to criminal conviction