Buzz
Among the numerous accolades granted by the Queen of England, knighthood is undoubtedly the most sought-after. For British citizens, the prestige of being addressed as 'Sir' or 'Dame' is unmatched. Yet, some prominent figures have chosen to reject this honor. Here are a few notable examples.
1. David Bowie
While several rock legends like Sir Paul McCartney, Sir Elton John, and Sir Mick Jagger have accepted knighthood, David Bowie chose a different path. In 2003, Bowie declined the honor, stating, "I would never consider accepting something like that. I truly don't see its significance. It doesn't align with what I've dedicated my life to achieving."
2. Vanessa Redgrave
The acclaimed Oscar-winning actress is frequently regarded as one of the leading figures in British theater. Unlike her peers Dame Judi Dench and Dame Helen Mirren, Redgrave declined the title in 1999. A staunch advocate for left-wing and humanitarian movements, she likely believed, as many do, that accepting a knighthood would align her too closely with the establishment. However, she accepted the CBE (Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire), the second-highest honor.
3. L.S. Lowry
Renowned for his depictions of Lancashire's industrial landscapes, Lowry declined more royal honors than anyone else—five in total. These included an OBE in 1955, a CBE in 1961, and a knighthood in 1968. A lifelong supporter of the working class, he refused these accolades, as a friend noted, to avoid altering his standing or identity.
4. Alfred Deakin
The Australian statesman declined a knighthood in 1887, during a time when Australia was still under British colonial rule. He later became one of the key figures in Australia's founding, serving as Prime Minister three times after the nation's establishment in 1901. His refusal of the knighthood stemmed from both his modesty—he rejected several honors—and his vision for Australia to become a republic, free from its colonial ties. Despite gaining independence, Australia continued to confer knighthoods until 1983, when the practice was finally discontinued.
5. Robert Morley
Known for his portrayal of eccentric characters, the actor and playwright accepted an OBE in 1957 but declined a knighthood in 1975. Other actors who rejected knighthoods include Trevor Howard, Alistair Sim, and Paul Scofield.
6. Aldous Huxley
The renowned essayist and author of Brave New World refused a knighthood in 1959, just four years before his passing. Interestingly, Huxley, C.S. Lewis, and John F. Kennedy all died on the same day: November 22, 1963.
7. Doris Lessing
In her youth, the Nobel Prize-winning author was a passionate communist, opposing the monarchy and the British political system. At 74, in 1993, she declined the title of Dame, questioning the appropriateness of accepting honors from an institution she had once criticized. Earlier, she had also rejected an OBE, citing its association with a “non-existent empire.” However, in 2000, she accepted the Companion of Honor (CH), appreciating its lack of a formal title.
8. Henry Moore
The renowned sculptor, a pivotal figure in modern art, remained deeply connected to his humble beginnings as the son of a Yorkshire coal miner. This connection led him to refuse a knighthood in 1951, as he wished to avoid being perceived as part of the establishment.
9. Rabindranath Tagore
A multifaceted genius—spiritual leader, Nobel laureate in literature (1913), poet, songwriter, playwright, novelist, painter, and educator—Tagore was knighted by King George V in 1915. However, he renounced the title in 1919 in protest of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, where British troops killed hundreds of Indians suspected of rebellion.
10. Michael Faraday
Demonstrating that rejecting knighthoods isn't limited to modern figures, Faraday (1791-1867), the pioneering chemist and physicist who uncovered the electromagnetic field, also declined the honor.
11. Stephen Hawking
More than a century later, the renowned physicist Stephen Hawking reportedly declined a knighthood. Sources suggest his refusal was due to the UK government's insufficient support for scientific research.
Bonus: John Lennon
When returning his MBE, Lennon articulated his reasons in a letter addressed to the Queen:
"Your Majesty, I am returning this honor in protest of Britain's role in the Nigeria-Biafra conflict, our backing of America in Vietnam, and the decline of 'Cold Turkey' on the charts. With love, John Lennon of Bag."
