Knight/Dame Grand Cross (GBE)

Knight/Dame Commander (KBE/DBE)

Commander (CBE)

Officer (OBE)

Member (MBE)

Celebrity Honorees by Rank

Knights and Dames Commander (KBE/DBE)

Awarded to individuals for significant contributions on a national or global scale. These recipients are entitled to use "Sir" or "Dame."

Sir Elton John (KBE, 1998): For services to music and charity.

Sir Paul McCartney (KBE, 1997): For services to music.

Dame Judi Dench (DBE, 1988): For services to drama.

Dame Maggie Smith (DBE, 1990): For services to drama.

Sir Ian McKellen (KBE, 1991): For services to drama and equality.

Sir Anthony Hopkins (KBE, 1993): For services to drama.

Sir Patrick Stewart (KBE, 2010): For services to drama and charity.

Sir Ringo Starr (KBE, 2018)

Sir Rod Stewart (KBE, 2016): For services to music and charity.

Dame Emma Thompson (DBE, 2018): For services to drama.

Dame Julie Andrews (DBE, 2000): For services to performing arts and charity.

Commanders (CBE)

Awarded to those with substantial impact in their field, but not necessarily at the highest level.

Benedict Cumberbatch (CBE, 2015): For services to drama.

Ed Sheeran (CBE, 2017): For services to music and charity.

Helena Bonham Carter (CBE, 2012): For services to drama.

Adele (CBE, 2013): For services to music.

Eric Clapton (CBE, 2004): For services to music.

Officers (OBE)

Given to those making significant contributions in their field, often at a regional or specialized level.

David Beckham (OBE, 2003): For services to football and charity.

Emma Watson (OBE, 2017): For services to acting and women's rights advocacy.

Ewan McGregor (OBE, 2013): For services to drama and charity.

Daniel Craig (OBE, 2021): For services to drama and film.

Keira Knightley (OBE, 2018): For services to drama and charity.

Members (MBE)

Typically awarded for localized or specialized contributions.

Harry Styles (MBE, 2020): For services to music and charity.

Marcus Rashford (MBE, 2020): For services to vulnerable children during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ed Sheeran (MBE, 2017): Before his CBE, for services to music.

J.K. Rowling (MBE, 2000): For services to literature.

Why Some Celebrities Face Delays

Changing Perceptions of Merit:

In the past, the monarchy and government were slower to honor entertainers, seeing them as less "serious" contributors compared to politicians or scientists. This may partially explain why Ringo Starr wasn’t knighted until 2018, despite The Beatles’ pivotal role in British cultural history.

Height and Presence:

A more unconventional theory might relate to Ringo Starr’s stature. At 5’6”, Ringo’s relatively modest height could subconsciously affect perceptions of his "grandeur" or larger-than-life cultural impact. Knighting ceremonies have a theatrical aspect, and towering figures—both literally and metaphorically—often leave a stronger impression. In contrast, Paul McCartney, at 5’11”, may have benefited from his taller, more traditionally commanding presence, which could reinforce subconscious biases when evaluating worthiness.

Comparison Within Peers:

Paul McCartney was knighted in 1997, but Ringo Starr had to wait decades. Beyond height, there might have been a perception that McCartney’s post-Beatles career was more impactful. Ringo’s contributions, while iconic, were seen as primarily collaborative rather than individually groundbreaking, which might have delayed his recognition.

Public and Political Advocacy:

Some celebrities actively campaign for causes, boosting their visibility to honors committees. For example, Marcus Rashford’s MBE came quickly after his high-profile work during the pandemic. Ringo Starr, however, wasn’t as publicly engaged in similar ways, which may have affected his standing.

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5655410&forum_id=2#48493255)

Sir Sean Connery

Knight Bachelor (2000):

Knighted for services to drama. Connery’s iconic portrayal of James Bond established the character as a global phenomenon, making him a natural choice for a knighthood.

Height: 6'2" – His towering presence and legendary status likely enhanced perceptions of his grandeur and contribution to British culture.

Sir Roger Moore

Knight of the British Empire (2003)

Knighted primarily for his humanitarian work with UNICEF. Moore’s lighter, humorous take on Bond endeared him to audiences and cemented his legacy in the role.

George Lazenby

No Honors:

Lazenby’s single outing as Bond in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969) was critically reappraised over time but lacked the cultural impact of Connery or Moore. His brief tenure and relative obscurity outside Bond likely explain the absence of recognition.

Timothy Dalton

No Honors:

Known for a grittier, more intense portrayal of Bond in The Living Daylights (1987) and Licence to Kill (1989), Dalton’s tenure was appreciated by fans but overshadowed by other Bonds.

Pierce Brosnan

Honorary Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) (2003):

Awarded for services to drama and the British film industry. As an Irish citizen, Brosnan’s OBE is honorary, but his suave and enduring take on Bond solidified his place in British cultural history.

Daniel Craig

No Honors:

Companion of the Order of St. Michael and St. George (CMG) (2022):

Honored for his services to film and theatre. Interestingly, the CMG aligns with the fictional honor held by James Bond himself.

Height: 5'10" – Speculatively, Craig’s height might subconsciously impact perceptions of his “stature” in a ceremonial sense. Compared to taller Bonds like Connery and Moore, Craig’s relatively modest height could play a subtle role in why he hasn’t yet been knighted, despite his immense popularity and critical acclaim.

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5655410&forum_id=2#48493327)