Jeffrey Donaldson, the former leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), has been stripped of his knighthood by King Charles III. The decision follows Donaldson's conviction in June 2026 on 18 counts of child sex abuse, which included one count of rape, against two women when they were children. Donaldson served as an MP from 1997 until 2024.
A formal notice confirming the cancellation was published on Thursday, 23 July 2026, in The Gazette, one of the UK's official journals of record. The Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood stated that "THE KING has directed the cancellation and annulment of the knighthood conferred upon Jeffrey Mark Donaldson on the 11 June 2016 as a Knight Bachelor." This action comes after Donaldson himself requested to be removed from the Privy Council and for his knighthood to be forfeited in the aftermath of his conviction.
Donaldson was originally awarded the honour of Knight Bachelor in the Queen's Birthday Honours list in 2016 for political service. The forfeiture of such a prestigious award is a rare occurrence and typically reserved for individuals who have brought the honours system into disrepute through serious misconduct or criminal conviction. His removal from the Privy Council, an advisory body to the monarch, had already taken place earlier in July 2026.
The DUP, which Donaldson led, has faced significant scrutiny since the charges against him first emerged, leading to his resignation as party leader and subsequent suspension from the party. The removal of his knighthood marks a final official step in stripping him of the public honours bestowed during his lengthy political career, further distancing him from the institutions he once served.
This development underscores the serious consequences for individuals in public life who are found guilty of grave offences, particularly those involving the abuse of children. The swift action to remove his knighthood reflects the Crown's and government's commitment to upholding the integrity of the honours system and public office.