Lennon, along with the other members of The Beatles, initially accepted the MBE when it was awarded in the Queen's 1965 birthday honours, but later returned it in 1969.
Lenons ar pārējiem "The Beatles" dalībniekiem Ringo Stāru, Polu Makartniju un Džordžu Harisonu 1965.gadā saņēma Britu impērijas ordeni, bet 1969.gadā no tā atteicās.