Revoked Honours (Forfeiture of Title)
The Forfeiture Committee: Upholding the Integrity of the British Honors System
The Forfeiture Committee, a body established to maintain the integrity of the British honors system, carefully considers cases where individuals have been found guilty of criminal offenses, censured or struck off by a regulatory or professional body, or committed a sexual act listed in certain Acts.
The Committee, which meets as required, is chaired by Sir Chris Wormald KCB, with the Treasury Solicitor and four permanent, independent members as part of its membership. The Committee has been in existence for about fifty years, working diligently to uphold the standards expected of recipients of honors.
When an honor is forfeited, the recipient is asked to return their insignia to Buckingham Palace and can no longer make any reference to their having an honor in the future. The Committee may publish a statement in the London Gazette, detailing the reasons for the forfeiture.
An honor can be forfeited by the decision of His Majesty, but an individual may also choose to renounce their honor voluntarily and take the practical steps required of those that have forfeited. It is not likely that a person who has behaved in a way that caused their honor to be forfeited will be considered a suitable role model in the future.
The Committee can consider a case where allegations of criminal behavior are drawn to its attention within ten years of the death of the recipient. In such cases, the Committee may request written representations from the recipient if the evidence is not clearcut or if the recipient has been found to have committed a sexual act listed in certain Acts.
The Committee can recommend removing an honor on the advice of the committee and with the approval of the Sovereign. Forfeitures are published on the Forfeiture Committee's website and in the London Gazette.
Interestingly, honors and medals can be restored to living individuals whose convictions for repealed offenses have been determined as eligible to be disregarded/pardoned, under certain acts and criteria. However, the names of those who have had honors revoked are usually published in the London Gazette, but the Committee retains the right not to publicise its decisions.
The Order of the British Empire is a living Order, and honors automatically fall away upon the death of the recipient. The Forfeiture Committee serves as a crucial check and balance in ensuring that the honors system remains a reflection of the nation's values and expectations. Recipients of honors are expected to be good citizens and role models, and the Forfeiture Committee works tirelessly to ensure that this expectation is upheld.
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