MBE for hitmaker Sheeran
Hero cop among those honoured by Queen
SINGER Ed Sheeran was among a host of celebs to land gongs in the Queen’s birthday honours.
And Pc Keith Palmer, killed in the Westminster terror attack, won a posthumous George Medal.
HERO Pc Keith Palmer has been posthumously awarded the George Medal.
Pc Palmer, who was stabbed to death by Khalid Masood in the Westminster terror attack, was recognised for his actions in the Queen’s birthday honours list.
The best of British talent was highlighted – with top gongs for Ed Sheeran, Sir Paul McCartney, Billy Connolly and JK Rowling.
The recipents were announced after Her Majesty visited those made homeless in the Grenfell Tower disaster. Twenty years after being knighted, Beatle Sir Paul has been upgraded to a Companion of Honour for services to music. The title was also awarded to Harry Potter creator JK Rowling for services to literature and philanthropy. Comedian and actor Billy, one of 100 Scots in the list, was knighted 13 years after his OBE, with actress Julie Walters made a dame.
Sheeran’s successful 2017 continued as he was recognised with an MBE, while fellow singer Emeli Sandé also receives an MBE.
In a break from tradition, the Queen’s Civilian Gallantry List was released at the same time and Bernard Kenny, – stabbed as he went to murdered MP Jo Cox’s aid – also received a George Medal.
Britain’s Got Talent judge David Walliams becomes an OBE for his services to charity and the arts. He said: “The news made me happy, but nobody is happier than my mum.”
Grateful
Absolutely Fabulous star June Whitfield, 91, was made a dame for services to drama and entertainment.
Meanwhile, celeb chef Delia Smith will receive a Companion of Honour for services to cookery and former SAS soldier and best-selling author Andy McNab is named a CBE for services to literacy and charity.
Happy Valley star Sarah Lancashire and Miranda actress Patricia Hodge both receive OBEs for services to drama.
The country’s last surviving Dambuster, George “Johnny” Johnson, has been awarded an MBE after a petition to get him a knighthood.
The 96-year-old, part of Royal Air Force 617 Squadron which conducted raids on German dams in 1943, said he was honoured, adding: “I’m very grateful to all those people that signed the petitions and made it possible.”