Click through our photo gallery above to see a list of 15 celebrities who have joined the ranks of stars that have joined the ranks of British chivalry! (Photo: WENN)
Ringo Starr—or Richard Starkly, as he decided to go for the big ceremony— was knighted by Prince William for his contributions to music. “I’ll wear it at breakfast,” he joked about the medal that comes with the honor. (Photo: WENN)
Patrick Stewart became a Knight Bachelor after he was recognized by Queen Elizabeth herself in 2010 for his services to theater. The knighthood granted him the prefix “Sir.” (Photo: WENN)
Angelina Jolie received her damehood from the Queen not for her contributions to the arts, but rather for her philanthropic efforts. The honor, however, is honorary, since her American citizenship prevents her from using the title. (Photo: WENN)
In 1965, Paul McCartney was awarded with an MBE (Member of the British Empire). 32 years later, he received a greater honor— the former Beatle was knighted by the Queen herself in 1997. (Photo: WENN)
Anthony Hopkins was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1993 for his services to the arts. But when he became a US citizen in 20, he had to renounce to the use of the title while in the States. He’s still permitted to the tittle in the UK. (Photo: WENN)
Helen Mirren was awarded a damehood by the Queen before she became the queen herself—on screen, in The Queen, and onstage in The Audience. (Photo: WENN)
U2 rocker Bono was knighted for his work campaigning against poverty and disease in Africa. But the honor is merely honorary, since his Irish heritage prevents him from using the title. (Photo: WENN)
Actor Michael Caine was knighted nearly 15 years ago, but he rarely elects to use his title. “I am a knight, and no one has to call me ‘Sir’,” he said an interview. “I never mention it.” (Photo: WENN)
Famous for her many marriages, her violet eyes, her film career, and the possession of a very expensive diamond, Elizabeth Taylor was recognized by Queen Elizabeth when she was named dame in 1999. (Photo: WENN)
Not only was Elton John a close friend of the late Prince Dianna, and even attended Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding in 2011. He’s also an honorary member of the royalty, since he was knighted in 1998. (Photo: WENN)
The Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger is a knight, but he wasn’t give the honor by the Queen, since she disapproved of the musicians “anti-establishment” views. Prince Charles did it instead. (Photo: WENN)
Julie Andrew’s contribution to music and the arts were acknowledged when she was named Dame Julie Andrews in 2000. She’ll always be Mary Poppins to us, though! (Photo: WENN)
Bill Gates joined the rare ranks of Americans who’ve been knighted after he donated almost $33 billion to charity—a sum so big even Queen Elizabeth couldn’t ignore! (Photo: WENN)
Christopher Lee was knighted at the age of 81 by Prince Charles. The honor was part of the Queen’s Birthday Honours in 2009 and recognized his career and contributions to arts. (Photo: WENN)
Before she was a dowager countess in Downton Abbey or a powerful witch in Harry Potter, Maggie Smith’s career was already so impressive that it garnered her a damehood in 1990. (Photo: WENN)
It is one thing to be admired by fans from all around the globe and be celebrated by your colleagues in the industry. But it is another that your work is so dang good that not even the Queen of England herself can ignore it.
Though you may know him for their acting and music careers, these celebrities are all part of a selective group that hobnobs with the British royals! Ok—that may be quite a stretch, but they at least have been honored by them!
Whether it is because of their contribution to the arts or their philanthropic efforts, the work of A-listers like Ringo Starr, who was recently honored after decades of waiting, the iconic Sir Elton John, and even a couple of Americans, was worthy enough to garner them the title of Knights and Dames.
Click through our photo gallery above to see a list of 15 celebrities who have joined the ranks of stars that have joined the ranks of British chivalry!
