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King Charles strips 15 people of honours in 2026

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 18 Oct, 17:31 · Archive

King Charles III has stripped 15 people of honours so far in 2026 for criminal convictions, professional censure or bringing the system into disrepute.

King Charles has stripped 15 people of honours so far in 2026, removing MBEs, OBEs and other honours for criminal convictions, professional censure or bringing the system into disrepute.

Jeffrey Donaldson, who led the Democratic Unionist Party between 2021 and 2024, lost his knighthood. He was given a 15-year sentence for a series of historical sex offences against two women when they were children. Eight other forfeitures were announced in March 2026 and five in October, according to the Cabinet Office list.

Among those who lost honours in March were Ian Ashbolt, who forfeited his 2016 MBE following criminal conviction; Lloyd Hamilton, who lost his 2011 MBE for criminal conviction; Angela Middleton, who lost her 2019 MBE for bringing the system into disrepute; Nigel O'Connor, who forfeited his 2015 MBE following professional censure; and Tony Reilly, who lost his 2011 OBE for professional censure.

Liam Walker, leader of the Oxfordshire Conservatives, said the removals help protect the 'integrity and value of the honours system', stating that 'anyone convicted of serious criminal offences has forfeited the privilege of holding them'.

King Charles strips 15 people of honours in 2026
Image: Oxford Mail

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In this story: King Charles III · Jeffrey Donaldson · Democratic Unionist Party · Cabinet Office

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