King Charles and the government have been praised for their “vital” action in stripping nine people of their honours in 2026.
A notice was published in the London Gazette on Thursday, March 5, sharing details of the individuals who had their MBEs and OBEs taken away.
Most of the honours were stripped due to a criminal conviction or for “bringing the honours system into disrepute”.
The notice regarding the list of people who have had their honours taken away can be found in The London Gazette.
Nine people have had their OBEs and MBEs stripped in 2026 (Image: Andrew Matthews/PA Wire)
King Charles and government praised for “vital” action in stripping honours
The only way to lose an honour like an OBE or an MBE is through a process known as ‘forfeiture’.
This is decided by the Honours Forfeiture Committee, with the monarch approving decisions based on their advice.
The group is made up of a small number of senior civil servants and independent members who look at someone with an honour who has either been convicted of a serious crime or is judged to have brought the system into disrepute.
Discussing the decision to strip people of their honours, Tracy Lamourie of Lamourie Media, said that the process was important to protect the reputation of the government and the monarchy.
She said: It’s actually vital that they do take actions like this because institutions, everything from businesses to the royal family to governments, are under constant scrutiny these days, and people are demanding accountability.
“It’s not ok to sweep things under the rug in 2026.
“If these honour systems are going to continue to exist, they absolutely have to maintain the public’s trust and credibility, or they’re worth less than the cost to manufacture and announce them.”
Michael Ryan, Founder and CEO at Ink Digital, shared similar thoughts on it needing to protect the integrity of the honours system.
He said: “Awards like these are symbolic recognition of service and contribution, so when recipients later become associated with serious misconduct or reputational damage, leaving the honour in place can create a perception problem for the wider system.
“In situations like this, the response is often as much about reputation management as it is about the individuals involved.
“Institutions such as the monarchy operate within a very visible public narrative, and public honours are part of how that narrative is communicated.
“When honours are revoked, it sends a signal that the recognition is tied not just to past achievement but also to ongoing conduct and public trust.”
On the other hand, royal insiders quoted by Radar Online have questioned whether the honours system can retain its value.
A source familiar with the honours system shared: “When you see this many titles being cancelled in such a short time, it inevitably leads some people to ask whether the whole system begins to look a bit meaningless.”
However, not everyone agreed, as another royal source said: “The King has shown he is willing to strip titles when he believes standards have been breached.
“We saw it when Andrew Windsor lost his royal titles and patronages, and now we are seeing the same strict attitude applied to the honours system.”
Full list of people to have their MBEs and OBEs stripped in 2026
Ian Ashbold, received MBE in 2016, stripped due to a criminal conviction
Lloyd Hamilton, received MBE in 2011, stripped due to a criminal conviction
Angela Middleton, received MBE in 2019, stripped due to bringing the honours system into disrepute
Nigel O’Connor, received MBE in 2015, stripped due to professional censure
Tony Reilly, received OBE in 2011, stripped due to professional censure
Paul Rose, received MBE in 2002, stripped due to a criminal conviction
Anant Shah, received OBE in 2020, stripped due to bringing the honours system into disrepute
Graham Trewhella, received MBE in 2010, stripped due to a criminal conviction
Stuart Hogg, received MBE in 2024, stripped due to a criminal conviction
What are OBEs and MBEs?
OBE stands for Officer of the Order of the British Empire.
This is awarded for having a major local role in any activity, including people whose work has made them known nationally in their chosen area.
MBE stands for Member of the Order of the British Empire.
This is awarded for an outstanding achievement or service to the community.