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29/03/2007
U2 star awarded honorary knighthood
Irish rock star Bono has today accepted an honorary knighthood from the Queen at a ceremony in Dublin.
The U2 frontman and campaigner, 46, was awarded the honour during a ceremony at British ambassador David Reddaway’s official residence with the condition he is not called “Sir” as he is not a British citizen.
“By the way, you can call me pretty much anything you want except sir,” jokingly adding: “You can call me lord of lords or a demi-god.”
The British Prime Minister referred to Bono – real name Paul Hewson – as an inspiration in the fight against global poverty.
“I’ll leave it to others far more knowledgeable than me to talk about U2s music – all I’ll say is that along with millions of others right across the world, I’m a huge fan,” Mr Blair wrote in a letter that was read out to the small gathering.
Bono accepted the award saying: “It has been a great year for this award to happen in and it does feel like this country and Great Britain are closer than they have ever been.”
He revealed he was planning a much quieter affair, however he said the recent developments in the Northern Ireland changed his mind.
“I wasn’t even going to have a bit of a do, I was going to slip it in, keep it very, very quiet,” he said.
“But when I saw Big Ian sitting down there with Gerry Adams I just thought this is the end of an era but the beginning of a much better one.”
(JM/SP)
The U2 frontman and campaigner, 46, was awarded the honour during a ceremony at British ambassador David Reddaway’s official residence with the condition he is not called “Sir” as he is not a British citizen.
“By the way, you can call me pretty much anything you want except sir,” jokingly adding: “You can call me lord of lords or a demi-god.”
The British Prime Minister referred to Bono – real name Paul Hewson – as an inspiration in the fight against global poverty.
“I’ll leave it to others far more knowledgeable than me to talk about U2s music – all I’ll say is that along with millions of others right across the world, I’m a huge fan,” Mr Blair wrote in a letter that was read out to the small gathering.
Bono accepted the award saying: “It has been a great year for this award to happen in and it does feel like this country and Great Britain are closer than they have ever been.”
He revealed he was planning a much quieter affair, however he said the recent developments in the Northern Ireland changed his mind.
“I wasn’t even going to have a bit of a do, I was going to slip it in, keep it very, very quiet,” he said.
“But when I saw Big Ian sitting down there with Gerry Adams I just thought this is the end of an era but the beginning of a much better one.”
(JM/SP)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
