The decision followed widespread condemnation of his government for human rights abuses and undermining democratic processes. At the time, British officials stated that it was no longer appropriate for Mugabe to retain an honour while presiding over policies associated with violence and repression.
The move was widely viewed as a symbolic condemnation of his leadership.
Rolf Harris
Entertainer Rolf Harris was stripped of multiple honours in 2015 after being convicted of indecent assaults against underage girls.
Harris had previously been awarded an MBE, an OBE and a CBE during a long career in television and entertainment, and he had also received a fellowship from British Academy of Film and Television Arts.
Following his conviction in 2014, he was sentenced to five years and nine months in prison. All of his honours were subsequently revoked.
Harris died in 2023 at the age of 93.
Jimmy Savile
After the death of television personality Jimmy Savile in 2011, investigations uncovered extensive sexual abuse carried out over decades.
Reports later suggested that hundreds of victims had been abused, with some estimates exceeding 450 individuals.
Many called for Savile’s knighthood to be formally revoked. However, under the British honours system, knighthoods are considered “living honours.” Once the recipient dies, the honour effectively ceases to exist, meaning there is no legal mechanism to remove it posthumously.
The Honours Forfeiture Committee later confirmed that forfeiture proceedings would have begun had Savile been convicted during his lifetime.
Naseem Hamed
Former boxing champion Naseem Hamed, widely known as “Prince” Naseem, lost his MBE in 2007 after serving a prison sentence for dangerous driving.
Hamed had been involved in a high-speed crash while driving at around 90 miles per hour, causing catastrophic injuries to another driver.
Following the conviction and subsequent sentence, authorities determined that he should no longer retain the honour.
Stuart Hall
Broadcaster Stuart Hall was stripped of his OBE in 2013 after being convicted of sexual offences against children.
Hall had received the honour just one year earlier in recognition of his work in broadcasting and charity. His conviction led to immediate calls for the honour to be withdrawn, which the authorities subsequently approved.