Crime & Safety
King Charles praised for stripping 9 people of their honours
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.
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.
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Jacqui Gitau, who is also the charity’s lead for Oxfordshire, has been made an MBE for her services to migrant families in the county.
African Families in the UK is a Community Interest Company that was formed in 2015 to support African diaspora families in the UK to get the best outcomes for their children through training and information on education, health and social care.
Through targeted initiatives, the charity aims to bridge the gap on various fronts, including food security, digital divide and other inequalities prevalent in health and education.
The charity also offers parent training and seminars to help achieve its goals as well as hosting activities and events to promote positive cultural practices.
“Oh my goodness, I don’t think I’ve got my head around it yet,” a jubilant Ms Gitau said.
She holds a first degree in community family development from Oxford Brookes and a masters degree in childhood studies.
With co-founder Rachel Walton, the duo started out as volunteers meeting in a library in Blackbird Leys, where women discussed the differences in parenting between the UK and their countries of origin.
She arrived in the UK from Kenya with a 17 month old baby and no support. Her husband had to work and she had no family around to help.
Dr Martin Reeves, who leads Oxfordshire County Council, has been awarded an OBE for services to local government.
Dr Reeves said: “I’m incredibly honoured to receive this award.
“Local government is ultimately about people and unique places and, over the past 25 years, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside dedicated and passionate colleagues and councillors who make a real, positive difference in their communities every day.
“The best of local government is when we bring people together across a place, understand what really matters locally, and help create the conditions for positive change.
“This award genuinely reflects that collective effort.”
Dr Reeves has served as chief executive of Oxfordshire County Council since March 2023.
He previously spent more than 14 years in the same role at Coventry City Council, where he led the most significant transformation of the city since the post-war era.
The honour recognises his long-standing leadership in public service reform, innovation, and place-based change, including his role in launching Oxfordshire as the first county-wide Marmot place to tackle health inequalities.
Tim Bearder, leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “This honour is thoroughly deserved.
“Martin has made a real and lasting difference in Oxfordshire and across local government more widely.
“He combines insight, integrity, and ambition with a genuine commitment to public service and improving the lives of the people we serve.”
The King’s Birthday Honours celebrate individuals who have made a significant impact in their field or community.
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