Bono to be knighted by Britain

U2 frontman Bono has been offered an honorary knighthood by Great Britain. The British monarchy will give the Irish singer and humanitarian the honorary knighthood in a Dublin ceremony shortly after the first of the year in recognition of his efforts in combating AIDS and poverty in underdeveloped countries, particularly in Africa.

The knighthood offer was formally conferred by Queen Elizabeth II and extended by British Prime Minister Tony Blair, who wrote in a letter to Bono that "I know... how knowledgeable you are about the problems we face and how determined you are to do all you can to help overcome them. You have tirelessly used your voice to speak up for Africa." Blair also wrote that he hopes his government and Bono will continue "to work together to maintain momentum on Africa, and ensure leaders around the world meet the promises they have made."

Bono will not be called "Sir Bono," however. Unlike fellow rockers Paul McCartney and Mick Jagger, Bono will not be addressed as "sir" because he is not a native of Britain or any of its former colonies. A U2 spokesperson said Bono, whose real name is Paul Hewson, was flattered by the honor.

The Irish government had to give Britain permission to grant Bono the knighthood, because the country withdrew from the British Commonwealth in 1949. Irish public officials are legally barred from receiving British royal honors, and other natives of Ireland have refused such nominations in the past.

Bono joins fellow rocker and Irish native Bob Geldof, who has already received an honorary knighthood. Other non-Britons who have received the honor include Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, film director Steven Spielberg, former New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, opera legend Placido Domingo, and Nazi hunter Simon Wiesenthal.

U2 is currently working on material for its next album.
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