Alan Bennett is among a number of notable authors who have declined honours from the British monarchy, with the playwright reportedly refusing an OBE in protest against the honours system itself. Bennett, who once said accepting an honour would be 'like wearing a suit every day of your life', joins a long list of literary figures who have turned down royal recognition.
Other refuseniks include Roald Dahl, CS Lewis, Graham Greene, and JG Ballard, who rejected a CBE in 2003. Ballard, a republican, criticised 'all that bowing and scraping and mummery at the palace', describing the honours as part of 'the whole system of hereditary privilege and rank, which should be swept away'. He hoped his refusal might help bring down the honours edifice.
In contrast, War Horse author Michael Morpurgo accepted a knighthood in the new year's honours, telling Radio 4's Today programme he felt like he was joining King Arthur's round table. He added the honour would help him support causes, including refugees. Tom Stoppard, David Hare, and Salman Rushdie have also accepted honours without ceasing to speak out on issues.
Doris Lessing, who declined an OBE and a DBE but later accepted a Companion of Honour, called the process 'all a bit like a pantomime'. WB Yeats, who rejected a knighthood, told a friend: 'I do not wish anyone to say of me, “Only for a ribbon he left us.”' The debate over whether writers compromise their independence by accepting royal honours continues.
