On October 26, 1965, the Beatles
receive the MBE (Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British
Empire) awards from Queen Elizabeth at Buckingham Palace. Earlier
that year on June 12, 1965, a spokesman for the British government
announced that the Beatles have been named to the MBE list.
At a lunchtime press conference at Twickenham Film Studios, Paul said that "MBE must stand for Mister Brian Epstein". The Beatles' names were put forward for this honor by Prime Minister Harold Wilson.
Several previous recipients of the
award felt the award was demeaned, and returned theirs. John Lennon's
reaction: "Lots of people who complained about us receiving the
MBE received theirs for heroism in the war – for killing people…
We received ours for entertaining other people. I'd say we deserve
ours more."
Paul McCartney, George Harrison, John Lennon and Ringo Starr with MBE |
Ringo Starr, John Lennon, Paul McCartney and George Harrison with MBE |
The Beatles awarded (Dutch News Flash, 1965)
Interview on June 12, 1965
Interview October 26, 1965
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