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Are honours still relevant?

14th - 21st November 2025

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59851

Total votes

12723

5-11 votes

47128

11-16+ votes

Sir David Beckham recently received a knighthood for his work in sport and charity, as part of King Charles’s birthday honours. He called it his “proudest moment” and when Sky News asked their readers whether he deserved the honour, 83% voted Yes. This made us curious to find out how young people feel about the honours system, and whether they place a similar value on these accolades. We asked them to consider whether knighthoods and other royal awards are the ultimate achievement or an outdated system in need of reform. You can find out what close to 60,000 of them had to say below.

Secondary, College and 16+ students discussed, "Are honours still relevant?", while Primary 7-11 voters considered, "Should people still be given knighthoods?" and Primary 5-7 pupils answered, "Should there still be knights?"

59,851 young people responded to this VoteTopic.

child

Age 5-11 voter

It is a national tradition and people should be recognised for their achievements, it would be good if we carry this on for the future generations.

teenager

Age 11-16 voter

As this is fairly unique to the UK, [it] represents our national identity and is an important way to recognise the achievements of individuals, [and] create a national remembrance of accomplishments.

student

Age 11-16 voter

It can seem like a show off for only the elite of our society - many people would love the time to give back the way the rich and famous can, but don't have the freedom of money to allow them to.

79% of 7-11-year olds said knighthoods should still be awarded in the UK.

  • 5-7-year olds were discussing the question, "Should there still be knights?" and 77% voted 'Yes'.
  • 7-11-year olds were discussing the question, "Should people still be given knighthoods?" and 79% voted 'Yes'.
  • Primary pupils felt the most positively about the royal awards system in the UK.
Meanwhile, 57% of Secondary students argued the honours system is still relevant today.

  • Secondary students were also discussing the King's awards system with the question, "Are honours still relevant?"
  • The result was close, however 57% of Secondary students voted 'Yes'.
  • Many said the accolades were an important part of British culture and should remain.
56% of 16+ & College voters disagreed, arguing that the awards are outdated.

  • 56% of 16+ and College voters disagreed, voting 'No' to the question, "Are honours still relevant?"
  • Many said the system was outdated and in need of reform.
  • Even amongst 'Yes' voters, many felt that the honours needed to focus more on ordinary people and their achievements, as opposed to celebrities.