King Charles has come under fire for his recent decision to strip nine individuals of their MBEs and OBEs in a single month, with critics accusing him of devaluing royal honors by making them “meaningless” tributes. The move comes on the heels of the monarch’s decision to strip his younger brother, Andrew Windsor, of his royal titles in the wake of a series of scandals.
According to notices published in the U.K.’s official public record, The Gazette, King Charles, 77, has ordered the removal of the nine honors from recipients of the Order of the British Empire this month alone. The revocations typically occur when a recipient has been convicted of a crime, found guilty of misconduct, or disciplined by a professional regulator.
One of the individuals who lost an honor is former Scotland rugby star Stuart Hogg, whose MBE was cancelled after he admitted to abusive behavior toward his estranged wife, Gillian. The formal removal of Hogg’s distinction was outlined in the notice published in The Gazette, stating that “the appointment of Stuart William Hogg to be a Member of the Civil Division of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire… shall be cancelled and annulled.”
Hogg, a former player for Glasgow Warriors and Scotland, had been awarded the MBE for services to rugby in the 2024 New Year Honors but had it revoked after admitting to abusive behavior.
The wave of honor removals has sparked a debate about the value of royal honors, with some questioning whether the frequent revocations make the system appear “meaningless.” Royal insiders suggest that King Charles’s strict approach toward royal status and honors reflects his willingness to strip titles when he believes standards have been breached.
The decision to revoke honors mirrors Charles’s earlier move to strip Prince Andrew of his military affiliations and royal patronages in the aftermath of his association with convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein. This latest string of cancellations underscores the King’s commitment to upholding the dignity and reputation of royal distinctions.
In addition to Stuart Hogg, several other individuals have been stripped of their honors this month, including Ian Ashbold, Lloyd Hamilton, Angela Middleton, Nigel O’Connor, Tony Reilly, Paul Allen Rose, Anant Shah, and Graham Trewhella. These individuals had their honors revoked due to criminal convictions, professional censure, or bringing the honors system into disrepute.
The King’s decision to remove these honors highlights his dedication to upholding the integrity of the honors system and ensuring that recipients maintain the standards of conduct expected of them. As the list of individuals losing honors continues to expand, it is clear that King Charles is taking a firm stance on upholding the honor and prestige of royal distinctions.
