U2's Bono knighted by Queen ambassador

U2 singer Bono was presented with an honorary knighthood by representatives of the Queen of England on Thursday morning (March 29th) in Dublin. According to a post at the band's web site, Bono was knighted in recognition of his services to the music industry and for his humanitarian work. The vocalist said after receiving the award, "What a great year for an Irishman to receive an award from Great Britain...I couldn't be more proud. I would like to thank Her Majesty's Ambassador for pinning this award on me in my home town, and the band for not bursting my balloon."

Bono was joined at the ceremony by family, friends and bandmates, while a letter of congratulations from British Prime Minister Tony Blair was also read during the event.

The Queen's Ambassador said that the honorary knighthood was in recognition of "Bono's extraordinary and inspirational campaigning to fight global poverty and focus international attention on the plight of Africa; the AIDS pandemic; and the third world debt crisis."

Because the term "Sir" can be used only by British-born knights, the Irish singer will not be called "Sir Bono." He joked to reporters after the ceremony, "You can call me pretty much anything you want, except 'sir.' You can call me lord of lords or a demi-god."

The demi-god and his merely human bandmates are reportedly at work on a new album.
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