Many called for Savile’s knighthood to be formally revoked. However, under the British honours system, knighthoods are considered “living honours.” Once the recipient dies, the honour effectively ceases to exist, meaning there is no legal mechanism to remove it posthumously.
The Honours Forfeiture Committee later confirmed that forfeiture proceedings would have begun had Savile been convicted during his lifetime.
Naseem Hamed
Former boxing champion Naseem Hamed, widely known as “Prince” Naseem, lost his MBE in 2007 after serving a prison sentence for dangerous driving.
Hamed had been involved in a high-speed crash while driving at around 90 miles per hour, causing catastrophic injuries to another driver.
Following the conviction and subsequent sentence, authorities determined that he should no longer retain the honour.
Stuart Hall
Broadcaster Stuart Hall was stripped of his OBE in 2013 after being convicted of sexual offences against children.
Hall had received the honour just one year earlier in recognition of his work in broadcasting and charity. His conviction led to immediate calls for the honour to be withdrawn, which the authorities subsequently approved.