A Guardian reader has revealed a surprising offer to help him 'upgrade' a royal honour he received two decades ago, sparking a fresh debate about the integrity and future of the UK's honours system.
The Unsolicited Offer to 'Upgrade' a CBE
The correspondence began after the reader, who wishes to remain anonymous, received an unsolicited email from a company offering to assist in attaining a royal honour. Intrigued, he responded with evidence of his Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) award, which he received approximately 20 years ago.
The firm's reply was direct. "Looking closer I see your CBE was awarded nearly 20 years ago, so surely you deserve an upgrade. If you are interested, we would be delighted to assist," they wrote. The reader chose not to pursue the offer, but the exchange highlights a modern, commercial interest in the centuries-old system of royal recognition.
A Radical Proposal: Selling Honours 'Equitably' for the NHS
This incident coincides with a provocative suggestion from a reader in Leicestershire, Dr Orest Mulka of Snarestone. Reflecting on a recent Guardian article by Stephen Bates about the historical figure Arthur Maundy Gregory, who was infamous for selling honours, Dr Mulka proposes a new, 'equitable' model.
With a socialist government in power and public spending under pressure, he suggests formally selling honours, but with the proceeds directed to public services. His model would see an MBE sold for 1% of an individual's wealth, and a knighthood for 10%.
All funds raised would be channelled into supporting the National Health Service and helping poor people, he argues, adding that such a scheme would also allow more citizens the opportunity to meet the royal family.
Historical Context and Modern Scrutiny
The debate touches a nerve in British public life. The original article referenced by the readers detailed the exploits of Arthur Maundy Gregory in the early 20th century, who operated a clandestine market for titles. While reforms have been implemented since, allegations of political patronage and 'cash for honours' have periodically resurfaced, keeping the system under constant scrutiny.
The unsolicited upgrade offer and Dr Mulka's satirical-yet-serious proposal raise fundamental questions about the perception of honours in contemporary Britain. Is the system a genuine reward for service, or is it vulnerable to commercial and political influence? Could radical transparency, even a form of sale for public good, be a solution?
These letters, published in the Guardian's correspondence section, demonstrate that the conversation around honours, their value, and their purpose is far from over.
