King open to removing word ‘empire’ from OBE honours amid colonial controversy

Charles attends the bestowing and farewell ceremony on the final day of the royal visit to Samoa - (AP)

The word “empire” may be dropped from British honours as part of reforms reportedly being considered by royal officials.

Under the plans, those with an OBE – Order of the British Empire – may choose to receive an Order of British Excellence, according to a new biography of the King by author Robert Hardman, which is being serialised by the Daily Mail.