King Charles Considers Overhaul of Royal Honors System
King Charles is contemplating ‘radical changes’ to the Royal honors system in a bid to remove references to the UK’s colonial past. The proposed revisions would see the term ‘Empire’ eliminated from British honors, giving recipients of the OBE (Order of the British Empire) the option to choose alternative titles such as the Order of British Excellence or the Order of Elizabeth, in honor of the late Queen.
Officials believe that the OBE is a title rooted in the country’s colonial history and are exploring ways to modernize the system by making these changes.
In a recent biography of the King, a senior palace official was quoted as saying: “Any change would need to be approved by the government, but there is a sense that the Palace is open to the idea.”
However, sources reveal that these proposed changes have sparked frustration in the monarch as he continues to recover from cancer treatment. Courtiers have criticized the plan as “ultra-woke meddling” and the “last thing he needs” at this time.
One insider stated: “It appears that various individuals are pushing for the British honors system to be consigned to history. This interference by the leftwing elite, who are focused on woke ideals, is the last thing the King wants as he recuperates from cancer. In private, he is said to be very upset.”
The potential overhaul comes in response to mounting pressure from Caribbean Commonwealth nations, urging the UK to consider reparations for the injustices of the slave trade. During a recent royal tour in the South Pacific, King Charles addressed the Commonwealth Heads of Government in Samoa, firmly rejecting the idea of reparations.
He stressed the importance of learning from history and engaging in open discussions about the UK’s colonial past. The King highlighted the need for the Commonwealth to address historical injustices collectively.
Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has stated that the government will not pursue reparations for slavery, maintaining a firm stance on the issue amidst ongoing discussions within the association regarding the legacy of colonialism.
Several prominent figures have previously declined honors due to the word ’empire’, including British actor Alan Cumming who returned his OBE last year, citing the negative connotations associated with empire. Poet Benjamin Zephaniah also refused an OBE in 2003, expressing his disdain for the word ’empire’ and its ties to slavery.
During a visit to Barbados in 2021, Charles, then Prince of Wales, acknowledged the atrocities of slavery, stating that it “forever stains our history.” The ongoing discussions around the British honors system reflect a broader conversation about the impact of colonialism on society.
