Elton John was recognized by the British Royal Family in a formal ceremony yesterday (November 10) held at Windsor Castle.
Sir Elton, who was previously named a Commander of the Order of the British empire in 1995 and was knighted in 1998, has now been made a member of the Order of Companions of Honour, the highest honor that can be bestowed by the British Royal Family.
Per the British Royal Family’s website, “The Companion of Honour is a special award granted to those who have made a major contribution to the arts, science, medicine, or government lasting over a long period of time. The members, of which there are 65 at any one time, currently include actress Dame Maggie Smith, Lord Coe, Stephen Hawking, John Major and Desmond Tutu.”
In a statement on the honor, John said, “An incredible honor to be made a member of the Order of Companions of Honour today in acknowledgment of my services to music and the fight to end AIDS through the Elton John AIDS Foundation. Thank you to the Prince of Wales and Clarence House for your recognition and support.”
An incredible honour to be made a member of the Order of Companions of Honour today in acknowledgement of my services to music and the fight to end AIDS through @ejaf.
Thank you to the Prince of Wales and @ClarenceHouse for your recognition and support. https://t.co/uQD3z2zToH
— Elton John (@eltonofficial) November 10, 2021
