News - 26 October 1965
26 October, 1965 - The Beatles Collect Their MBEs at Buckingham Palace
In October, 1965, The Beatles collected their MBEs at Buckingham Palace.
Just as the band would later grow ambivalent about the award - with John eventually returning his medal - there was also backlash in Parliament over whether a pop group should receive such a distinction at all.
Still, a small number of MPs broke from the majority and tabled an Early Day Motion supporting the decision after the awards had been announced:
AWARD TO THE BEATLES:
(From the UK Parliament website)
That this House, recognising the great good and happiness that the Beatles have brought to millions throughout the world, and recognising that they are the first entertainment group that has captured the American market and has brought in its wake great commercial advantage in dollar earning to this country, strongly appreciated the award to the Beatles of the M.B.E.
The British are known for saying, “The honour is mine” - except in this case, no one was sure if it was.
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