Irish rock star and rights campaigner Bono has been awarded an honorary British knighthood, the British Embassy in Dublin said on Saturday.
“Her Majesty The Queen has appointed Bono to be an honorary Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in recognition of his services to the music industry and for his humanitarian work,” the embassy said in a statement.
A statement on the U2 websiteВ said Bono was “very flattered to be honoured, particularly if the honour … opens doors for his long standing campaigning work against extreme poverty in Africa.”
British Prime Minister Tony Blair said he was delighted Bono had chosen to accept the award.
The British Embassy said Bono would receive the award from the British ambassador to Ireland in a ceremony in Dublin shortly after New Year’s Day.
Fellow Irish rocker Bob Geldof, also a high-profile rights campaigner, received the same award in 1986. Honorary knighthoods are awarded to non-British nationals.
Bestowal of an honorary award does not confer the title “Sir” on the holder.