(Image: Chris Jackson/PA)
King Charles has been applauded as eight criminals are stripped of their honours.
The monarch was praised earlier this year after removing Sir Jeffrey Donaldson's knighthood, with His Majesty having removed seven other titles since the beginning of 2026 for criminal convictions.
A number of reasons are cited for the removal of honours including bringing the system into disrepute and professional censure.
However, committing a crime is one of the most common listed.
In October 2026, Charles Montegriffo and Ian Hudson were stripped of their MBE and OBE respectively for criminal convictions.
Months before, Jeffrey Donaldson had his knighthood removed for the same reason while rugby player Stuart Hogg and four others had their honours taken away for committing a crime in March 2026.
The four others were Ian Ashbolt, Lloyd Hamilton, Paul Rose and Graham Trewhella.
Following the removal of Sir Jeffrey's knighthood local Oxfordshire councillor Liam Walker praised King Charles for protecting the "integrity and value of the honours system".
Mr Donaldson was the leader of the Democratic Unionist Party between 2021 and 2024 and has appeared at the Oxford Union, participating in a well-publicised debate in 2004.
This month he has been given a 15-year sentence for a series of historical sex offences against two women when they were children.
Jeffrey Donaldson (Image: Brian Lawless/PA Wire)
Mr Walker said: “Honours are awarded to recognise outstanding service and achievement, and anyone convicted of serious criminal offences has forfeited the privilege of holding them.
"Stripping those honours helps protect the integrity and value of the honours system."
Mr Walker's statement also came after Mr Hogg lost his MBE. The former Scotland rugby captain had pleaded guilty to domestic abuse against his estranged wife.
Charles Montegriffo, who resides in British Overseas Territory Gibraltar, had his MBE officially removed on October 1 after he pled guilty for sexual offences against children.
The chief minister of Gibraltar Fabian Picardo said: “This decision reflects the seriousness with which we regard offences against children and the importance of maintaining the integrity of the honours system.
"Our thoughts remain with the victims.”
Dr Ian Hudson, who worked in Chelmsford, lost his honour at the same time after it was discovered he had previous convictions for child sexual communication offences.
Gosport-based Graham Trewhella had his MBE removed after being caught by a paedophile hunter group named Trap and Lloyd Hamilton, a former Army major, had his MBE taken away over a fraud involving his children's boarding school fees according to Wales Online.
Paul Rose, of Walney, who ran Barrow Owl Sanctuary in Cumbria, had his honour rescinded after he was given a 20-week jail sentence suspended for two years following a string of offences involving birds.
According to the BBC, Rose had admitted two counts of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal and one offence of failing to ensure the welfare of an animal.
The Sentinel reported that former parish councillor Ian Ashbolt lost his MBE after he stole £4,200 from a charity.