Royal officials are reportedly exploring the possibility of introducing new honours to replace the traditional Order of the British Empire (OBE), with options including an “Order of British Excellence” or an “Order of Elizabeth,” according to a report by the Mail on Sunday. Any change to the honour system would require government approval.
The discussion around a potential rebranding of these honours comes in the wake of growing scrutiny over the legacy of the British Empire. Conservative shadow culture secretary Julia Lopez questioned whether newly elected Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch would support such a change. “My gut feeling is that she would be deeply sceptical towards that,” Lopez stated during an appearance on Sky News’ Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips. She expressed concern that renaming the honour could imply that the empire is a source of shame, a notion she believes Badenoch would reject.
An updated biography of King Charles III by Robert Hardman cites a senior palace official suggesting that the palace is “pretty open to the idea” of revising the honour system. This reflects a broader conversation about the British Empire’s legacy, which has recently come into focus, particularly during last month’s Commonwealth leaders’ meeting in Samoa. There, UK Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer faced significant pressure from Caribbean nations advocating for reparations for the impact of the transatlantic slave trade. These nations are also seeking a formal apology from the UK government, although Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has ruled out such a possibility.
Starmer noted that discussions on reparations were mentioned only briefly in the final communiqué from the meeting. This document included “one paragraph in 20-something paragraphs” recognizing the call for discussions on the topic, indicating a desire for further dialogue rather than concrete commitments.
The financial implications of reparations have been significant. Various estimates suggest that the UK may owe more than £18 trillion to 14 countries, according to a report co-authored by a United Nations judge last year.
During a speech last month, King Charles touched upon the sensitive topic, acknowledging the “most painful aspects of our past.” He emphasized the importance of understanding history to guide future actions. While he did not explicitly mention “slavery” or “reparations,” he stressed the commitment to learning from past wrongs and addressing enduring inequalities.
As discussions surrounding the honour system and the legacy of the British Empire continue, the government’s response to these proposals will be closely monitored, reflecting a nation grappling with its historical narratives.