Jeffrey Donaldson stripped of knighthood by King
Summary
Jeffrey Donaldson, a former leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), was convicted in June 2026 of multiple sex offences against children. Following his conviction, King Charles III officially removed Donaldson’s knighthood and Donaldson was also removed from the Privy Council.Key Facts
- Jeffrey Donaldson was convicted of 18 sexual abuse charges, including one count of rape involving two women when they were children.
- Donaldson served as a Member of Parliament from 1997 to 2024 and was previously DUP leader.
- He was awarded a knighthood in June 2016 but it was cancelled by King Charles III after his conviction.
- The cancellation was formally announced in The Gazette, an official UK record.
- Donaldson requested removal from the Privy Council after his conviction; this was granted in July 2026.
- The DUP is conducting an independent review of Donaldson's time in the party.
- Donaldson’s legal team filed paperwork to appeal the convictions, with a decision expected around September.
- A knighthood can be removed if the honoree is found to have seriously damaged the reputation of the honors system.
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