Stuart Hogg Stripped of MBE Following Domestic Abuse Conviction

Former Scotland rugby captain Stuart Hogg has been stripped of his Member of the British Empire (MBE) honor after pleading guilty to a charge of domestic abuse against his then-estranged wife. The decision, directed by King Charles III, was formally recorded in The Gazette, the UK’s official public record.

Background and Conviction

Hogg, 33, was initially appointed an MBE in December 2023 in recognition of his services to rugby. However, following his guilty plea in 2024, the King ordered the cancellation and annulment of the honor, effectively removing his name from the Order of the British Empire register.

The conviction stemmed from a five-year period of abusive behavior, including shouting, swearing, tracking his wife’s movements and sending alarming text messages, as presented by prosecutors. In January 2025, Hogg received a “community payback order” – a community service sentence – with one year of supervision. Source: AP News

Rugby Career and Recent Events

Hogg retired from professional rugby in 2023 after achieving 100 appearances for Scotland and having served as captain since 2020. He briefly returned to the sport, signing with French club Montpellier, but suffered an Achilles tendon injury in April 2025. Source: BBC News

The MBE Honor

The MBE is the third highest ranking Order of the British Empire, excluding knighthoods and damehoods, falling behind CBE, and OBE. It is awarded for outstanding achievements or significant service to the community. Source: AP News

Calls for Forfeiture

Following the emergence of details surrounding the domestic abuse case, there were widespread calls for Hogg to be stripped of the honor. The King’s decision reflects the seriousness with which such matters are treated within the honors system. Source: Royal Central