Renowned author Maggie O'Farrell, celebrated for her novel 'Hamnet', has disclosed that she turned down an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire). O'Farrell stated her decision was rooted in two principal concerns, primarily her objection to the inclusion of 'British Empire' in the award's official title, and a personal preference for her literary achievements to be recognised solely through her published works.
Speaking publicly, O'Farrell elaborated on her reasoning, highlighting a fundamental discomfort with the historical associations carried by the term 'British Empire'. This sentiment reflects a broader contemporary debate within the UK regarding the legacy of the Empire and how it is commemorated or referenced in modern institutions. The honours system, which includes awards such as OBEs, MBEs, and CBEs, has faced scrutiny in recent years, with some recipients and commentators calling for a re-evaluation or renaming to better reflect modern British values and a post-colonial identity.
O'Farrell's second reason centred on her desire for her writing to be the primary focus of her public identity. She conveyed a preference for her work to stand on its own merits, without the additional layer of a state honour. This perspective is not uncommon among artists and public figures, some of whom believe that such accolades can detract from the intrinsic value of their contributions or prefer to maintain a degree of separation from official state recognition.
The decision by a high-profile cultural figure like O'Farrell to decline an honour brings renewed attention to the ongoing discussion about the relevance and appropriateness of the British honours system in the 21st century. While many continue to accept and value these awards, seeing them as recognition for significant contributions to society, a growing number of individuals, particularly from creative and academic fields, have either declined or voiced reservations, often citing similar concerns about the historical context or the principle of state recognition for artistic endeavours.
This revelation contributes to a wider public discourse that occasionally surfaces when prominent figures decline honours. It prompts reflection on the evolving relationship between the state, public recognition, and the values that contemporary Britain wishes to uphold. The government has, on occasion, indicated a willingness to consider reforms to the honours system, though no concrete plans for a fundamental renaming or restructuring of the Order of the British Empire have been formally announced.