Jeffrey Donaldson, former DUP leader and MP from 1997 to 2024, has had his knighthood annulled after a June conviction on 18 counts of sexual abuse, including rape, against two women who were children at the time. The Gazette published a notice saying King Charles III directed the cancellation of the 2016 knighthood. Donaldson has been removed from the Privy Council and has lodged paperwork to seek leave to appeal; his sentencing is expected to be lengthy. The DUP and the Ulster Unionist Party have launched independent processes to review his time in their parties.
King Charles III Cancels Jeffrey Donaldson’s Knighthood After Conviction
Jeffrey Donaldson was convicted on 22 June [PA Media]
Former Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Jeffrey Donaldson has had his knighthood annulled after a jury convicted him in June on 18 counts of sexual abuse, including one count of rape. The offences were committed against two women when they were children. Donaldson served as a Member of Parliament from 1997 until 2024.
Official Annulment
A notice published in The Gazette — the UK’s official public record — says that King Charles III has directed the cancellation and annulment of the knighthood conferred on Jeffrey Mark Donaldson on 11 June 2016 as a Knight Bachelor. The notice was issued by the Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood.
Privy Council and Courtesy Title
Donaldson asked to be removed from the Privy Council after the conviction and was formally removed in July. The forfeiture of his knighthood also means his wife, Eleanor Donaldson, loses the courtesy style of Lady Donaldson. Mrs Donaldson underwent a trial of the facts on mental health grounds, where the jury found she had committed the acts alleged in relation to all five charges, including four counts of aiding and abetting her husband.
Conviction, Sentence and Appeal
Donaldson was convicted unanimously by a jury of seven men and five women at Newry Crown Court. The judge indicated that a lengthy prison sentence would follow. His legal team lodged papers seeking permission to appeal with the Court of Appeal in Belfast on 17 July. The appeal process begins with a preliminary hearing to decide whether leave to appeal should be granted; commentators expect that decision could come in September, and any full appeal hearing would occur later. It is unlikely an appeal will be resolved before sentencing.
Forfeiture Process
An honour such as a knighthood can be revoked on the recommendation of the Forfeiture Committee if the holder is judged to have brought the honours system into disrepute. The committee’s recommendation goes to the prime minister and then to the King; if approved, a notice is normally published in The Gazette. The recipient is then asked to return insignia to Buckingham Palace and is no longer permitted to use the title or post-nominal letters.
Political Aftermath
The DUP has commissioned an independent review into Donaldson’s time in the party. The Ulster Unionist Party, which he previously represented, said it will appoint an independent external organisation to create a confidential process for people to share any concerns about his time in that party.
Key facts: Convicted in June on 18 counts of sexual abuse; knighthood annulled by royal direction; Privy Council removal confirmed; appeal papers lodged 17 July; independent party reviews under way.
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