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Thursday, 29 March 2007

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Arise, Sir Bono

U2 frontman receives knighthood

U2's Bono was today awarded an honorary British knighthood from the Queen for his services to the music industry and humanitarian work.

But the rock singer, whose real name is Paul Hewson, accepted the award, saying: 'Don't call me Sir.'

Like Bob Geldof, who was given the same accolade, he's technically not entitled to be called Sir as he's not a British citizen.

So he joked that instead: 'You can call me Lord of Lords or a demigod.'

The singer accepted the award during a ceremony at British ambassador David Reddaway's official residence in Dublin.

'What a great year for an Irishman to receive an award from Great Britain,' he said.

'The Peace Process has proceeded to a conclusion, debt cancellation - started in Great Britain - has put 20 million African children in school, the Happy Mondays and Shaun Ryder have reformed, England's rugby squad entered Croke Park to thunderous applause, silence for God Save The Queen, then the Irish hammered them.

'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.'