Sir Elton John has received Britain’s highest acknowledgement in the 2019 new year honours list.
The singer, currently on his final world tour, was awarded the Companion of Honour for a career spanning more than five decades which includes selling more than 300 million records.
This award is an extension to his current title after being knighted in 1998 by the Queen.
The Order of the Companions of Honour is limited to 65 members – with Elton making number 62, and Sir Keith Vivian Thomas (for services to the studio of history) making 63.
The singer-songwriter has also promoted the work of 23 charities, including establishing his own AIDS foundation.
John is one of a number of figures in the arts to be recognised in the 2020 honours, including Olivia Newtown John who was made a Dame, as was 12 Years a Slave director Steve McQueen who received a knighthood.
Sir Elton tweeted his appreciation of the honour saying “I’m humbled and honoured to be among such highly esteemed company in receiving the Companion of Honour. 2019 has turned out to be a truly wonderful year for me and I feel extraordinarily blessed.”
I’m humbled and honoured to be among such highly esteemed company in receiving the Companion of Honour.
2019 has turned out to be a truly wonderful year for me and I feel extraordinarily blessed.
Elton xx pic.twitter.com/iam3EItGYH
— Elton John (@eltonofficial) December 27, 2019
The music legend will now be Sir Elton Hercules John, CH, CBE
Last Updated on Jan 2, 2020
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