All the celebrities who refused or returned honours from the Royal Family
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Becoming a Sir or Dame is a bucket list dream for many A-list celebrities, many of who have proudly flocked to Royal palaces to receive their medals from the late Queen Elizabeth II, King Charles III or Prince William. The New Year Honours list for 2025 has been announced with the likes of Stephen Fry and Tom Baker receiving accolades.
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Former QI host Fry has been knighted for his services to mental health awareness, the environment, and charity, while Doctor Who icon Baker has been made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for his services to television. Elsewhere, MasterChef icon Loyd Grossman is being honoured for services to heritage with a knighthood, alongside Gareth Southgate and Sadiq Khan who will also both be knighted.
Oscar nominee Carey Mulligan has been made a CBE for her services to drama, and presenter Myleene Klass has received an MBE for services to women’s health, miscarriage awareness, and charity. However, not every star is rushing through the gates of Buckingham Palace to claim their honour.
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Throughout the years, several celebrities have turned down the esteemed honours offered to them, and for a number of reasons. Whether they felt as though they didn’t deserve the honours, or because they held anti-monarchist beliefs, several big showbiz names have said ‘No’ when presented with the Queen’s or King’s birthday honours.
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