When The Beatles Got MBEs, People Were so 'Disgusted' That That They Returned Theirs in Protest
The Beatles sparked public outrage when they received MBEs. Here's what former recipients had to say about it when they sent theirs back.
In 1965, all four members of The Beatles received MBEs, or Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire medals. The honor surprised them, but it outraged some members of the public. People were sharply divided on whether The Beatles deserved the award. Former MBE recipients didn’t know what to make of it, either. Some were so upset that they sent their MBEs back in disgust.
When The Beatles received MBEs, people couldn’t believe the musicians got the honor. Papers and media outlets debated whether or not they deserved them, with many outlets covering the story with scorn. Many previous MBE recipients felt the same way. George Read, a member of the Coast Guard, wrote a letter to the palace.
Source: Emma McKee/cheatsheet.com
