Some of the most famous musicians from Great Britain were not big fans of the royal family.
It was never too popular to have no sympathy for the monarchy, least of all the Queen Elizabeth II, who died yesterday at the age of 96. However, some musicians dared to take a different path, and even refused the orders that were intended for them.
David Bowie
The famous musician twice turned down royal family decorations. The first time he said "no" was in 2000, when he refused the Order of the British Empire (CBE), which is awarded to distinguished citizens. Bowie did not comment on his decision at the time, and three years later he refused the knighthood.
"I never intended to accept such a thing," he told The Sun that same year.
"I really don't understand what it's for. I haven't worked my whole life for it. I'm not going to comment on the decision Mick Jagger to accept the title, that's his decision, but it's just not for me."
When years later the media "pressed" him to say something more about his views on the royal family, Bowie was clear:
"I would have a serious answer to that question if I lived in that country," said the musician who lived in the US at the time.
Paul Weller
The musician who achieved fame in the group "The Jam" also refused the Order of the British Empire. Unlike Bowie, he did not publicly comment on his decision.
When it was revealed in 2007 that he had turned down the award, his PR sent a statement saying: "Paul was surprised and honoured, but it's not for him".
John Lennon
The monarchy awarded the order to the Beatles back in 1965, but it was not without controversy. Just four years later, John Lennon returned his and sent a letter to the queen.
"I am returning my medal in protest against Britain's actions in the Nigerian civil war, America's actions in Vietnam and the fact that my song 'Cold Turkey' has fallen in the charts. With love, John Lennon," the musician wrote in his own style.
George Harrison
Less media coverage is the example of Lennon's bandmate - George Harrison. Although the musician never commented on his rejection of the order, the journalist Ray Connolly once commented on this case for "Daily Mail":
"Whoever offered him the Order and not the knighthood was extremely insensitive. George must have been very offended, and for good reason," he said, alluding to the fact that Paul McCartney received the title of Sir three years earlier.
Bonus video:
