Despite historic successes in 2025, Rory McIlroy is absent from the New Year’s Honours List amid a tax review blocking his knighthood.
Northern Irish golfer Rory McIlroy was considered a favorite for a knighthood by King Charles III alongside Tommy Fleetwood and Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald, also from England. However, all three golfers missed out this year. In 2025, McIlroy completed his career Grand Slam with his Masters victory, becoming the first European ever to do so. He also shone with Team Europe at the 2025 Ryder Cup, securing their first away win since 2012 at Bethpage State Park near New York City.
Nevertheless, McIlroy’s name was not among the 1,157 honorees on the New Year’s Honours List, which is first reviewed by the Cabinet Office and then by His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) before being submitted to the Prime Minister and monarch. According to a report by the British Telegraph, HMRC intervened in the process, similar to the situation years ago when footballer David Beckham had to wait to receive his knighthood.
Did Rory McIlroy Intentionally Avoid Tax Payments?
Recently named BBC Sports Personality of the Year, McIlroy was involved in urban renewal projects in Liverpool, Birmingham and Sheffield back in 2013 that were considered legitimate tax relief and officially recognized as such by authorities. Later, HMRC determined that these projects constituted tax avoidance and is currently investigating whether the so-called “Business Premises Renovation Allowance” was exploited to deliberately evade tax payments. At present, there is no evidence suggesting McIlroy intended to avoid paying taxes.
Since HMRC plays a role in knighthood decisions, any suspicion or ongoing investigation can result in a rejection. Neither McIlroy nor the British government has commented on this matter so far.