March 29, 2007

On this day in 2007, U2 frontman Bono formally accepted an honorary knighthood. It was bestowed upon him by British Ambassador to Ireland David Reddaway at a ceremony in Dublin. Bono joked that his youngest son believed he was instead being made a Jedi, and was disappointed about the lack of light sabers at the event. The singer, whose real name is Paul Hewson, was awarded the honor in recognition of his outstanding contribution to music and of his humanitarian work. His official title is Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. Other non-British citizens to receive this title are Bill Gates, former New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, and filmmaker Steven Spielberg.