'Radical changes' to drop 'Empire' from King's honours 'being considered'

officials are reportedly considering "radical changes" that could see the term 'Empire' removed from British honours.

The move would allow anyone awarded an OBE (Order of the British Empire) to instead opt for an Order of British 'Excellence', while an alternative Order of , in memory of the late Queen, has also been suggested. But would reportedly still be available for those who wish to accept them.

Any changes to the current honours system would ultimately be decided by 's government, MailOnline reports. In his updated biography of the King, the Mail's Robert Hardman cites a senior Palace official as saying: "Any change is a matter for the government, but I think that they would find that this place was pretty open to the idea."

This potential shift comes amid growing scrutiny of the British Empire's legacy, with calls from Caribbean nations for the UK to pay hundreds of billions in reparations for the slave trade.

In recent years, several public figures who were offered OBE's declined them due to term "empire". Last year, actor Alan Cumming returned his OBE citing "misgivings about being associated with the toxicity of empire", while poet Benjamin Zephaniah, whose parents come from the Caribbean, turned down an OBE in 2003, saying: "I get angry when I hear that word 'empire'. It reminds me of slavery."

The suggestion is seen in Hardman's updated biography of the King. It has already revealed a number of bombsell claims including Charles reportedly cutting off Prince Andrew's allowance, and the late Queen's plans to move him from Royal Lodge to .

It also makes mention of Queen Elizabeth being "quite intrigued" by a suggestion to rename the OBE to the 'Order of Britain & Elizabeth' and "would not have objected to a discussion". When questioned about the honours proposal last night, a No 10 source said: "We would not discuss any conversations with the Palace under any circumstances", according to MailOnline.

But Foreign Secretary has made a number of comments about British colonialism, including his support for reparations, prior to joining the Government. The move, if it were to go ahead, would mark the first alteration to the Order of the British Empire since its introduction by George V in 1917 - to honour contributions to arts and sciences, charitable and welfare organisations, and public service outside the civil service.

There are five titles, ranging from Knight Grand Cross to Member of the Order (MBE). The OBE is officially an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire.

The associated British Empire Medal is also reportedly set for a revamp under the current plans being discussed.