Proposal to Replace ‘Order of the British Empire’ with Modern Titles Signals Shift Away from Colonial Legacy
King Charles is reportedly considering significant changes to the Royal honours system by removing references to Britain’s colonial past. Under proposed revisions, the term Empire would be dropped from honours such as the Order of the British Empire (OBE), with recipients offered new alternatives, including the Order of British Excellence or the Order of Elizabeth, in tribute to the late Queen.
Royal officials view the OBE title as increasingly outdated, reflecting colonial associations no longer in line with modern values. A senior Palace official remarked, “Any change is a matter for the Government, but this place is pretty open to the idea.”
These proposed changes come amid increased pressure from Caribbean Commonwealth nations for the UK to address its colonial history, particularly through potential reparations for the injustices of the slave trade. While addressing Commonwealth leaders in Samoa recently, King Charles affirmed the importance of learning from history and engaging in open dialogue, though he ruled out reparations, emphasizing the need for constructive and respectful discussions.
As the UK reflects on its colonial legacy, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has clarified that the government will not pursue reparations for slavery, maintaining a firm stance amid ongoing conversations within the Commonwealth on the impact of colonialism.
