At the end of the year, the British King Charles III. (75) again numerous honorary titles. Over 1,200 so-called “New Year Honors” go to people from public life or to private individuals who have made a special contribution to the service of society. The oldest new dignitary is 97, the youngest just nine years old. This year there are also some well-known stars on King Charles’ list.
Singer Shirley Bessey (86), for example, who went down in music and film history at the same time with her theme songs for three “Bond” films (“Goldfinger”, “Moonraker” and “Diamond Fever”). Bassey, who has been entitled to the title of Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) since 1999, will now also hold the title of Companion of Honor in honor of her achievements in music. The special thing about this award, as the Daily Mail writes: Only 65 people are allowed to hold this title at the same time during their lifetime, so Bessey is number 64.
Director Ridley Scott (86), who most recently captured the life story of Napoleon Bonaparte on film, can also look forward to another honor. He is now a recipient of Britain’s highest order of merit, the Knight Grand Cross. Charles’ mother Elizabeth II (1926-2022) had already knighted Scott in 2003 and thus gave him the title Sir – also in the course of the “New Years Honors” at the time.
“Game of Thrones” star Emilia Clarke (37) is completely new to the illustrious ranks of British dignitaries. However, she was not honored for her acting but for her social commitment. Together with her mother Jenny, she founded the charity SameYou, which aims to support people who have suffered brain damage. Clarke’s mother survived two brain hemorrhages herself and then founded the charity. Both women now hold the title of Member of the British Empire (MBE).
Charles also considered the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby (67): he will receive the Knight Grand Cross and will be able to call himself Sir Justin in the future. Welby presided over the coronation of King Charles and Queen Camilla (76) in May this year.
