Paul McCartney has been made a Companion Of Honour for his contribution to music.
The Beatles star received the honour 21 years after he was knighted by the Queen. Until earlier this year, he was the only member of the influential band to be given a knighthood. Drummer Ringo Starr was granted the same status in the 2018 New Year’s Honours list.
McCartney picked up his medal from Buckingham Palace earlier today (May 4) with wife Nancy Shevell. He is only one of a few musicians to receive the honour, including Vera Lynn and opera singer Janet Baker. Other recipients include Stephen Hawking, Judi Dench, and J.K. Rowling.
Congratulations Sir @PaulMcCartney who has been made a #CompanionofHonour at Buckingham Palace today for his lasting contribution to music in the UK and Worldwide. pic.twitter.com/f6QAQKInWr
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) May 4, 2018
A tweet from the Royal Family’s official Twitter page read: “Congratulations Sir @PaulMcCartney who has been made a #CompanionofHonour at Buckingham Palace today for his lasting contribution to music in the UK and Worldwide.”
McCartney was announced to be receiving the honour in last year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours list. “I’m very happy about this huge honour and with the news coming on my birthday weekend and Father’s Day it makes it colossal!” the musician said in a statement at the time.
The icon has had 18 Number One albums in the UK, including releases with The Beatles, Wings, and his solo output. Over his 61-year career, he has collaborated with a ton of stars including Foo Fighters, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Rihanna, Kanye West, Stevie Wonder, Elvis Costello, 10cc, Rod Stewart, and more.
McCartney has also been inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame twice – with The Beatles, and as a solo artist – and has won 18 Grammy Awards, an Oscar, and more. In 2014, he received the Songwriter’s Songwriter Award at the NME Awards.