<P> The following is a partial list of people who have declined a British honour, such as a knighthood or other grade of honour . In recent times most refusals have been for appointment to the Order of the British Empire . </P> <P> In most cases, the offer of an honour was rejected privately; others were rejected publicly, or accepted and then returned later based upon future events, as with John Lennon and Rabindranath Tagore . Nowadays, potential recipients are contacted by government officials, well before any public announcement is made, to confirm in writing whether they wish to be put forward for an honour, thereby avoiding friction or controversy . However, some let it be known the offer was declined, and there are also occasional leaks from official sources . </P> <P> People may reject state honours for various reasons, among which are: </P>

Who turned down being knighted by the queen