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King Charles applauded as Dragons’ Den star among 26 to lose MBE

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Since coming to the throne, records dating back to August 2023 show that a total of 43 people have had their honours stripped.

This is due to criminal convictions, professional censure or bringing the system into disrepute.

Among those to have lost an honour are a leading UK politician, a former BBC star and an award-winning UK composer.

READ MORE: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle ‘want Cotswolds move with £5m security costs’

The leader of the Oxfordshire Conservatives, Liam Walker, commended His Majesty for protecting the “integrity and value of the honours system” after Jeffrey Donaldson had his knighthood removed.

Mr Donaldson was the leader of the Democratic Unionist Party between 2021 and 2024 and has appeared at the Oxford Union, participating in a well-publicised debate in 2004.

However, in June he was convicted of historical child sex abuse offences at Newry Crown Court, and his solicitor John McBurney confirmed that papers have been lodged for an appeal.

Mr Walker said: “Honours are awarded to recognise outstanding service and achievement, and anyone convicted of serious criminal offences has forfeited the privilege of holding them.

READ MORE: Michelin-starred TV chef to return to the Cotswolds after leaving pub

“Stripping those honours helps protect the integrity and value of the honours system.”

This time last year, former Dragons’ Den star Julie Meyer was stripped of her MBE, one of 12 to lose an honour during August 2025.

Having been awarded the MBE for services to entrepreneurship in 2012, it was taken from her for bringing the honours system into disrepute.

This followed the 59-year-old being given a six-month suspended sentence for contempt of court after she repeatedly failed to submit documents and attend hearings relating to £200,000 in unpaid fees to her solicitors, Farrer & Co.

READ MORE: Jeremy Clarkson launches emotional plea to the public

She had been well-known to the UK public, appearing on the online version of Dragon’s Den in 2009.

Others to have forfeited honours since August 2023 include former Post Office chief executive Paula Vennells, who lost her CBE after being found to have brought the honours system into disrepute.

Former BBC Songs of Praise presenter Mike Pilavachi also forfeited his MBE, while Jan Latham-Koenig lost his OBE following a criminal conviction.

The list also includes McKeeva Bush, Lawrence Jones, Angela Middleton, Raminder Ranger and Anil Bhanot.

READ MORE: All stores close as high street fashion retailer in administration

Former Scotland rugby captain Stuart Hogg is among those to have had an honour removed in recent years.

Other names on the Cabinet Office list include Peter Antonelli, Anthony Bailey, Paul Cahill and Dario Gradi.

Anthony Griffin, Thomas Hogg, Richard Pallister and Raymond Parry also forfeited honours, alongside Krishna Singh, Jonathan Ullmer and Nicholas Welch.

Richard Cowie, Hugh Morgan-Williams, Michael Andrea, Robert Johnston and Shiu-Kum Lam are also listed among those whose honours have been removed.

READ MORE: New role for Mary Berry, 91, after ‘joy’ at retirement home

Wayne O’Donnell, Andrew Whiddett, Iain Fergusson, David Pickthall and Timothy Biles also forfeited honours.

The list further includes Harry Legg, Sean Cox, Richard Evans and Peter Conniffe.

Also named are Ian Ashbolt, Lloyd Hamilton, Nigel O’Connor, Tony Reilly, Paul Rose, Anant Shah and Graham Trewhella.

Government records show that 43 people have forfeited honours since August 2023, with awards ranging from the British Empire Medal and MBE to OBEs, CBEs and knighthoods.





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Oxford Georgian grade-II listed townhouse on the market for £2.5m

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The Grade II listed property on St John Street, which is up for sale, offers more than 2,900 square feet of living space spread over four floors.

It features a large family room, a kitchen/breakfast area, large bedrooms, a west-facing courtyard garden, and a separate annexe, and is being sold with “no onward chain.”

Inside, the main house boasts four bedrooms and a reconfigured interior.

READ MORE: Oxfordshire train station parking charges up by 37 per cent in a decade

The Georgian townhouse in OxfordThe Georgian townhouse in Oxford (Image: Chancellors)

The lower ground floor features a wooden-floored family room, a utility room, and a modern shower room.

On the ground floor, there is a parlour room with a feature fireplace, and a kitchen/breakfast area that opens onto a walled courtyard garden.

The first floor offers two double bedrooms, one with an ensuite bathroom, while the second floor features the principal bedroom, bathroom, and a dressing room.

The annexe, accessible from the courtyard, has its own sitting room, a first-floor vaulted bedroom, and a lower ground floor bathroom.

READ MORE: Victoria Beckham shows unseen photos of Ramsay wedding after Cotswolds hen do

The Georgian townhouse in OxfordThe Georgian townhouse in Oxford (Image: Chancellors)

St John Street, known for its Georgian-style Grade II listed terraced houses, is situated in the heart of Oxford and was developed around 1830.

The area is close to top-rated state and independent schools, including The Dragon School, Oxford High School for Girls, Cherwell School, St Edward’s School, d’Overbroeck’s College, St Philip & James School, Summerfields School, Christchurch College School, New College School, and Magdalen College School.

The property is also near the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford colleges, and the Oxford railway station.





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Manhunt after ‘sexual assault’ at Oxford shopping centre

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Thames Valley Police has released a CCTV image as it asks for the public’s help in identifying a man who may have vital information about the incident at Templars Shopping Centre in Cowley.

The reported ‘sexual assault’ happened when a woman in her 20s was inappropriately touched over her clothing at around 3pm on Tuesday, June 30.

READ MORE: Oxfordshire police ‘welcome’ prime minister’s update on PC Harper killers

No arrests have been made at this time and the police has asked for anyone with any information to come forward as soon as possible.

Investigating officer PC Emily Rice said: “We are releasing this CCTV image as we believe the individual pictured may have information that could assist our investigation.

Police would like to speak to this man following the incident in Temple Cowley Shopping Centre (Image: TVP)

“If this is you, or if you recognise the person shown in the image, please contact Thames Valley Police.”

Anyone with information can make a report to the police online or call 101, quoting reference 43260331880.

READ MORE: Reports of ‘petrol bombs’ at Oxford University museum spark big police response

Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or through its website.

Appeals for public help in finding individuals by the police can relate to suspects, witnesses or others who may have vital information in relation to the incident.

They do not mean the person is to blame nor do they imply guilt.





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IKEA to permanently slash prices on hundreds of products

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The scheme, which took effect on August 28, includes a wide range of furniture and home essentials.

In a statement, IKEA said: “From much-loved favourites to everyday essentials, customers can discover New Lower Prices both online and in-store, helping make it easier to create a home you love, whatever your budget.”

Among the discounted items is the KALLAX shelving unit, soon to be available for £49—down 18% from £60.

The HEMNES daybed, which functions as a sofa, single bed, double bed, and storage unit, will be reduced by 15% from £329 to £279.

In addition to these savings, IKEA is offering more than 1,000 exclusive in-store-only prices with discounts up to 25%.

The company said: “In time for cosy season, in stores nationwide, IKEA is also offering 20% off throws, bedspreads, candles, floor and table lamps, plus selected rugs, thermal curtains, seasonal duvets and cookware, from 7th September to 1st November nationwide.”

The history of IKEA

IKEA was founded in 1943 by Ingvar Kamprad when he was just 17 years old.

Originally, the company sold small goods such as pens and wallets, but in 1948, Kamprad expanded into furniture.

This was facilitated by Ingvar’s father, who gave him a small sum of money for doing well in school, which he used to set up a company.

In 1953, the company adopted flatpack furniture, solving costly transportation problems.

IKEA grew steadily throughout the 1950s in Sweden, before expanding into Denmark and Norway in the 1960s.

By the 1970s, the brand had entered markets in Australia, Austria, Canada, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Kuwait, the Netherlands, Singapore, and Switzerland.

The first UK store opened in Warrington in 1987, marking the start of IKEA’s growth in the British market.

Today, IKEA employs nearly 12,000 people across its 22 UK locations.

Have you bought items from IKEA before? Let us know in the comments.





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