Beatles singer Ringo Starr was knighted by Prince William for his services to music at London’s Buckingham Palace on Tuesday, March 20.
Sir Ringo Starr
“It means a lot actually. It means recognition for the things we’ve done musically and in life. So, I was really pleased to accept this award,” the 77-year-old music icon told reporters after the special ceremony.
When then asked by the BBC what he’ll be doing with his new knighthood medal, Ringo — who will now be known as Sir Ringo Starr — jokingly replied, “With this, I’ll be wearing it to breakfast.”
The event interestingly came 21 years after Ringo’s Beatles bandmate Paul McCartney was similarly knighted by Queen Elizabeth in Buckingham Palace back in 1977.
Ringo is now joining a long list of celebrities who have been knighted by the Queen and other members of the monarchy. Other stars who’ve received the honor include Sean Connery, Bill Gates, Michael Caine, Patrick Stewart, Elton John, Ronald Reagan, Bono, George H.W. Bush, Ben Kingsley, and Ian McKellen.
When a man becomes knighted, he takes on the title of “Sir,” while a woman adopts the “Dame” title. Many famous women have become Dames over the years thanks to Queen Elizabeth including Helen Mirren, Judi Dench, Joan Collins, Angelina Jolie, Elizabeth Taylor, Julie Andrews, Maggie Smith, and Angela Lansbury.
This story was originally published on our sister site, Closer Weekly.
