Famous people who refused to honor the king

The 30-year-old Olympian announced earlier this week that he was retiring from professional sport, meaning the recent Games in Paris were his last Olympic competition.

The father of two recently won his fifth Olympic medal, ending his career as a professional diver in spectacular fashion.

Speaking to Vogue about his retirement, Daley said: “I was so incredibly nervous going in there because I knew it would be my last Olympics.”

“The pressure was high and the expectations were high. I couldn't wait for it to finally be finished.”

“But when I walked out and saw my husband, my kids, my friends and family in the audience, I thought, 'You know what? This is exactly why I did this.'

“In the end, it was very emotional to stand up there on the platform and know that it would be my last competitive jump.

“But at some point I have to make the decision, and it feels like the right time to do it. It's the right time to end it.”

According to The Times, Daley is on track to receive the royal award that would give the diver the title of “Sir.”

Although he already received an OBE in 2022, knighthood is considered one of the most coveted royal orders in the United Kingdom.

However, some columnists and social media users questioned whether Daley should accept the award, saying the knighthood should be reserved for people who make a contribution to the community, not athletes.

It remains to be seen whether Daley will accept the honor, as he also has the option to decline it.

But why do people turn down awards and who are the most prominent people who have turned down honors?

Why do people reject them?

If the monarch informally consents to a person's honour, the recipient will receive a formal letter.

This letter asks whether one wishes to accept the honour that the monarch wishes to bestow upon them. The recipient then has the right to decide whether or not to accept the honour.

While many accept the honor, many have declined it over the years, with reasons ranging from political views to the belief that they do not deserve the title.

List of notable names who have declined honors

Roald Dahl

PA Media

The popular children's author, known for books such as “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”, reportedly declined a knighthood in 1986.

The information was revealed through a Freedom of Information Act submission by the Telegraph, but the reason why Dahl declined the award was not given.

Nigella Lawson

Getty Images

Famous TV chef Nigella Lawson once admitted that she turned down an OBE award from the Queen in 2001.

She explained: “I'm not saving lives and I'm not doing anything other than something I absolutely love.”

Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders

Jennifer Saunders and Dawn French

Danny Lawson / PA

The comedy duo, known for their work on “Absolutely Fabulous” and many other well-known films and television series, declined the OBE award in 2001.

Speaking to Source magazine in 2008, Saunders confessed: “If I felt I deserved the title of Dame, I would accept it.

“At the time, we felt like we were being paid very well to have a lot of fun. It just didn't seem right… It felt a little fake to be standing next to people who were dedicating their lives to really good causes,” she added.

David Bowie

Yui Mok / PA

The legendary artist has twice turned down honours from the Queen: once in 2000 when he was offered the title of Commander of the British Empire (CBE), and later in 2003 when he was offered a knighthood.

The musician explained why he made these decisions: “I would never have any intention of accepting something like that. I really don't know what it is for. It's not what I've worked for my whole life.”

Professor Stephen Hawking

Bruno Vincent / Getty Images

The legendary scientist was apparently offered a knighthood in the 1990s, but he decided to decline.

His decision was due to decisions made by the British government regarding science funding.

Jon Snow

Jonathan Brady / PA

The newsreader and journalist, who made a name for himself in the world of news during his decades-long career, was offered an OBE in the past but turned it down.

Speaking to The New York Times, Snow said he believed journalists should not accept government awards, adding: “I tried to find out why I had received it and could not get a clear answer or find out who had nominated me.”

Laurence Stephen Lowry

Frank Martin/BIPs/Getty Images

The famous painter holds the record for most refusals, reportedly turning down five honours, including a knighthood, a CBE and an OBE.

His close friend Harold Riley later revealed that the artist was a private and reserved person who did not want to change his name, which contributed to his decision not to accept the honor.

People who have returned their honor

It is also not uncommon for people to give up their royal honours years later.

Here, too, the reasons why people choose to do so vary.

For example, some may have developed a particular opinion about the monarchy that has led them to return the award. Others may have fallen out of favour and believe that returning their awards is the right thing to do.

Notable people who have returned their awards for various reasons include John Lennon, Michael Sheen, Alan Cumming and Paula Vennells.

Famous people who refused to honor the king

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