British Ambassador Confers Honorary Knighthood on Bono

03.29.07

The British Ambassador, David Reddaway, today presented Bono with the insignia of the honorary knighthood awarded to him by Her Majesty the Queen in recognition of his services to the music industry and for his humanitarian work.

David Reddaway said: "This honorary award recognises Bono's extraordinary and inspirational commitment to relieve global poverty and focus international attention on the plight of Africa; the AIDS pandemic; and the third world debt crisis.

"He has played a key role in persuading governments and international institutions to wipe out much of the burden of international debt owed by third world governments. We in the UK particularly appreciated his work alongside our G8 and EU Presidencies in 2005, which we were determined would produce real benefits for Africa.

"Bono has also made a huge contribution to the music industry. U2 is not only one of the most successful bands of all time, but have been highly effective in raising support for justice related causes through benefit concerts and recordings.

"We are delighted that Bono has accepted this honour, and look forward to his continued efforts alongside ours to raise awareness to improve the lives of the poorest people in the world."

In accepting the insignia, Bono said: "What a great year for an Irishman to receive an award from Great Britain. 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 Rider 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."

Notes to Editors

1. British Honours are awarded on merit for exceptional achievement. The honour of KBE is that of a Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire and is awarded for a pre-eminent contribution that is recognised as inspirational and significant and which demonstrates sustained commitment.
Bestowal of an honorary award does not confer the title "Sir" (or "Dame" in the case of women) on the holder.

2. Bono has co-founded a number of organisations focused on Africa, including the advocacy group DATA (Debt, AIDS, Trade, Africa); EDUN, a company which manufactures designer clothes in Africa and Latin America to provide trading opportunities to poorer countries; and Product Red, a new brand working with the biggest companies in the world to raise money from sales to buy AIDS drugs for Africa.

3. Bono's work on Live 8 and the Make Poverty History Campaign contributed to the outcome of the Gleneagles G8 summit in 2005 which pledged some US$25 billion in aid to Africa and universal access to anti-HIV drugs in Africa by 2010.

4. U2 have consistently been one of the most popular acts in the world since the mid-1980s. With six No 1 albums in the USA and nine No 1 albums in the UK, they are one of the most successful bands of all time. Their humanitarian concerts include Live Aid, Live 8, and Amnesty's Conspiracy of Hope tour.

For more information, please contact Keith Mallon on 01 205 3727 or 086 174 0416 or Caroline Loudon 01 205 3742 or 086 174 0438.