A knighthood is one of the highest honors that can be awarded by the reigning monarch of Britain. Queen Elizabeth II has handed out the prestigious merit to a number of exemplary individuals, including musicians, actors, and filmmakers. Knighthoods date back to medieval chivalry and continue to be one of the most significant ways of celebrating the achievements of extraordinary Brits. A knighthood means that recipient will forever have the elite honorific "Sir".
But not everyone who is awarded a knighthood accepts it. Through the years, several recipients have refused the honor. There are myriad reasons why celebs reject the esteemed privilege, from political motivations to simple humility. Here's why these 10 celebs refused a knighthood.
10 Stephen Hawking
The eminent physicist was awarded a knighthood in the '90s, but he respectfully declined. He said that he couldn't possibly accept the honor due to the government's lack of funding for the sciences.
Famously left-wing throughout his life, and altruistic even in death, he also objected to the elitism of titles bestowed by the Royal Family.
9 David Bowie
Following the shocking announcement of his death in 2016, David Bowie remains a much loved figure and was even the subject of a movie biopic shortly after his passing.
In 2003, he declined his knighthood, explaining, "I would never have any intention of accepting anything like that." Although he didn't elaborate much further, it's generally believed that he was anti-monarchy and against elitism, though he stated that he felt it would not be right to confirm his stance on the monarchy due to living in the United States for many years.
8 Malcolm McDowell
As the star of one of the most controversial movies of all time, Stanley Kubrick's A Clockwork Orange, actor Malcolm McDowell was offered a knighthood. However, he turned down not one, but two, honors from the Queen.
First, he declined a CBE (Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) in 1984 and then rejected a knighthood in 1995. Although he hasn't stated why he declined, it's likely due to his political views: the actor has previously described himself as anti-establishment.
7 Danny Boyle
Having launched the careers of many Hollywood A-listers with his seminal 1996 movie Trainspotting, most notably Obi-Wan Kenobi himself, it seems only right that British director Danny Boyle was offered a knighthood. However, he respectfully declined. As the filmmaker explained, "People fought many battles to make everybody free, equal citizens. I have no reason to believe that being a preferred subject would have any value that could improve the pride I feel in being an equal citizen."
But he did add that he had no qualms with individuals who did accepted knighthoods: "You've got to be careful because it sounds like you're criticising other people who have accepted knighthoods, which I'm not doing at all."
6 John Lennon
The iconic Beatle was renowned as much for his activism as he was for his song writing skills. Unashamedly outspoken, Lennon returned his MBE, citing his opposition to "colonialism and exploitation" associated with the British Empire.
Additionally, he said that his refusal was due to Britain's support of the Vietnam War.
5 Alan Rickman
Beloved Harry Potter star Alan Rickman left Muggles devastated when he passed away in 2016. The talented actor refused a knighthood in 2003. He never explicitly stated why he rejected the moniker of "Sir Alan Rickman", but it was likely due to his left-wing views.
Interestingly, there was a petition to posthumously knight Rickman, but considering he never wanted such an honor, it's for the best that nothing came of it.
4 John Cleese
When offered a peerage in 1999, comedian John Cleese scoffed at the idea. The Monty Python star called peerages "ridiculous".
Since Cleese has now quit the U.K. for good, it was probably for the best.
3 Peter O'Toole
The late actor was best known for his roles in Oscar-winning epic Lawrence of Arabia and, more recently, Pixar movie Ratatouille. Despite his playboy ways, he was also a passionate activist and protested against the Vietnam War in the '60s.
Two decades later, he was offered a knighthood. As a strong opponent of then prime minister Margaret Thatcher, O'Toole immediately rejected the honor.
2 Jim Broadbent
Another Harry Potter star who refused a knighthood, Jim Broadbent, who also starred in Game of Thrones, was offered the esteemed merit in 2002 after winning the Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his role in Iris.
Explaining his rationale, the actor told the Guardian, "The main reason is that I think actors should be anti-establishment. And I like the idea of being a rogue and a vagabond and not being appreciated by the powers that be."
1 George Harrison
This one is a bit complicated. George Harrison was offered an OBE (Order of the British Empire) before his death, but declined it as he felt it was rather insulting to be offered the lesser award instead of a knighthood.
By that time, his bandmate Paul McCartney had already been knighted and John Lennon returned his honor, so it's understandable that the iconic Beatle felt irked.