Not Giving Up My OBE

Submitted by ub on

Brits and Americans are divided by attitudes toward the House of Windsor. Why are there different reactions to Harry and Meghan Markle’s Oprah interview? What is the attraction to learn about The Royals who're among the most dysfunctional families on earth?

Many aren't surprised by Meghan's allegations that she faced racist attitudes from both Buckingham Palace and the U.K. press. Ethnic minorities decry racist attitudes and discrimination that are pervasive and all too often denied. For many interracial couples, the Meghan and Harry interview about racism stirs painful memories

Most interracial couples said they related to Meghan and Harry's experiences with racism. However, marriages between Black and White Americans remain rare.

:They've let the Queen down': Shock poll reveals majority of Brits want Harry and Meghan stripped of titles.

The uproar over this Oprah interview has some wondering what UK locals think about the future of the British Empire.

We reached out to our favorite OBE. World-renowned journalist Martin Bell, OBE is a British UNICEF Ambassador, a former broadcast war reporter, and independent politician who became a Member of Parliament from 1997 to 2001. He is also known as "the man in the white suit"

This is his response... 

Always good to hear from you. I am now  82 and no longer travelling.

The  interview caused quite a stir over here. My guess is that this will blow over and the monarchy will survive, although damaged.

And I am not giving up my OBE!

King George V wanted to honor thousands who helped win the First World War but were not soldiers. These days people who have made rewarding contributions to the arts and sciences, work with charitable and welfare organizations, and public service outside the Civil Service can be rewarded an OBE.

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is a British order of chivalry, rewarding contributions to the arts and sciences, work with charitable and welfare organizations, and public service outside the civil service. It was established on 4 June 1917 by King George V and comprises five classes across both civil and military divisions, the most senior two of which make the recipient either a knight if male or dame if female.

Therefore, individuals receiving an OBE may call themselves ‘Sir’ or ‘Dame’. If the person is not a citizen of a country where the Queen is Head of State, the award is called honorary, and the holder cannot use the title before their name. For example, Terry Wogan became a British citizen and was therefore called Sir Terry Wogan, but Bob Geldof is still Irish, and is not “Sir Bob”. Tennis player Andy Murray and runner Mo Farrah are some of the latest people who have received an OBE.