King Charles has stripped former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson of his knighthood after his convictions for historical child sex offences. This action was formally confirmed through a notice in The Gazette, the UK’s official journal of record, which detailed the monarch’s directive for the “cancellation and annulment” of Donaldson’s honour.
Jeffrey Donaldson, who was awarded the title of Knight Bachelor in June 2016, was found guilty of 18 sexual offences by Newry Crown Court in June. The charges include one count of rape against two women during their childhood. Currently, he is held at Maghaberry Prison, awaiting a sentencing set for September. Despite these convictions, Donaldson’s legal team has lodged an appeal, initiating a review process in mid-July,
In addition to losing his knighthood, Donaldson has also been stripped of his positions within the Privy Council. He had earlier signed letters renouncing his titles, leading to his name’s removal from the council. This action falls under the Cabinet Office’s Forfeiture Committee’s remit, which automatically reviews cases where honours recipients commit sexual offences or bring disrepute to the honours system.
Following the King’s directive, Donaldson is required to surrender his insignia to Buckingham Palace and is prohibited from using the title or its associated post-nominal letters.
