Member of the British Empire

On June 11, 1965, The Beatles were on the Queen's Birthday Honours List to receive Member of the British Empire (M.B.E.). John was at home with Cynthia and Julian and he had let the phone ring and ring- much to caller Brian Epstein's dismay. When John eventually got to the phone, he was given the news. John later claimed that he only accepted the honor after Brian pursued him to do so. Cynthia claimed that John was actually thrilled. Maybe he was, maybe he wasn't. However, it was a positive sign that his Aunt Mimi was thrilled and finally saw that John was doing all right after all. Cynthia was very happy for John but was disappointed that she couldn't come along to see the ceremony. Today you can come along- the honor guest can bring limited three people and the ceremony is now filmed unlike 1965. If John was able, I am sure Cynthia and Mimi would have gone… don't know the third guest (not Julian as he was only two years old then). 

John followed by Cynthia, Alf, and Brian after arriving late to Twickenham Studios to give a press conference about being honored with the MBE on June 12, 1965

Cynthia did accompany John to Twickenham Studios the following day for his interview with Paul (who cut his Portugal holiday short with Jane Asher), George, and Ringo for their reactions. John and Cynthia were late as John overslept and his hair was messy in protest while Brian and chauffeur Alf Bicknell went over to pick them up. They also screened a preview of their new movie Help!

The Beatles showing their medals on October 26, 1965 at Buckingham Palace

On October 26, 1965, John, Paul, George, and Ringo went to Buckingham Palace to receive their medals from Queen Elizabeth II. Before meeting their Majesty, they received the typical protocol lecture of what to do and not to do in her presence. John later claimed that they were so nervous that they smoked marijuana in the bathroom… George denied it, saying it was actually a cigarette. Maybe John was trying to be controversial? Seriously, if they did smoke pot, that smell is undeniable. The security, guards, etc. would have noticed! Afterwards, John took it to Bournemouth to present it to Mimi, who displayed it proudly above her television in her living room.

In 1969, John returned his MBE back to the Queen as his way to protest over wars and that his song Cold Turkey wasn't doing well on the charts… rather lame excuses! John could have just simply said, 'I don't want it.' It was located in St. James Palace's vault in 2009. He had sent Les Anthony to Mimi's house, telling her that John needed it. Regrettably, Mimi said sure but when she found out what John did with the medal, needless to say she was not pleased.