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Honorary knighthood for U2's Bono Honorary knighthood for U2's Bono
(20 minutes later)
U2 frontman Bono has been awarded an honorary knighthood by the Queen, the British Embassy in Dublin has said. U2 frontman Bono is being awarded an honorary knighthood by the Queen, the British Embassy in Dublin has said.
The singer, whose real name is Paul Hewson, has been given the honour for "his services to the music industry and for his humanitarian work," it said.The singer, whose real name is Paul Hewson, has been given the honour for "his services to the music industry and for his humanitarian work," it said.
In recent years the rock star has become a high-profile campaigner against poverty in Africa. Prime Minister Tony Blair congratulated him, telling the singer in a letter: "You have tirelessly used your voice to speak up for Africa."
The 46-year-old will receive the honour from the British ambassador in Dublin at a ceremony in the new year. The 46-year-old will receive the honour in Dublin early in the new year.
Because he is an Irish citizen, the Dublin-born singer will not be able to use the title "Sir". The honour is the same as that conferred upon Bob Geldof, who is also an Irish citizen, in 1986. British ambassador David Reddaway will conduct the ceremony.
The embassy said the agreement of the Irish government was sought and granted for the Dublin-born singer to be honoured.
A spokesman for Bono said he was flattered to receive the award, and that he hoped it opened doors for his campaigning work against extreme poverty in Africa.
'Invaluable role'
Because he is not a British national, he will not be able to use the title "Sir". The honour is the same as that conferred upon fellow Dubliner Bob Geldof in 1986.
Other recipients of honorary knighthoods include Microsoft founder Bill Gates, singer Placido Domingo and film director Steven Spielberg.
In his letter to the singer, Mr Blair thanked Bono for his work in the run up to 2005's G8 summit, which had a focus on African poverty.
"I know from talking to you how much these causes matter to you. I know as well how knowledgeable you are about the problems we face and how determined you are to do all you can to help overcome them," he said.
"I want personally to thank you for the invaluable role you played in the run-up to the Gleneagles G8 summit. Without your personal contribution, we could not have achieved the results we did.
"So thank you and I look forward to continuing to work together to maintain momentum on Africa, and ensure leaders around the world meet the promises they have made."
Live 8Live 8
U2 were formed in 1976 when drummer Larry Mullen Junior appealed for bandmates on a school notice board. Early names included The Feedback and The Hype before the band settled on the name U2.U2 were formed in 1976 when drummer Larry Mullen Junior appealed for bandmates on a school notice board. Early names included The Feedback and The Hype before the band settled on the name U2.
After initial success in Ireland, their third album, War, went to number one in the UK and number 12 in the US.After initial success in Ireland, their third album, War, went to number one in the UK and number 12 in the US.
In 1984 Bono sang on Band Aid's Do They Know It's Christmas?, after which he went on to back a variety of different causes.In 1984 Bono sang on Band Aid's Do They Know It's Christmas?, after which he went on to back a variety of different causes.
More recently Bono has campaigned for third world debt relief and has also sought to highlight the suffering caused by Aids in Africa.
He was one of the organisers of the Live 8 concerts in July 2005, at which U2 also performed.He was one of the organisers of the Live 8 concerts in July 2005, at which U2 also performed.