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ABBA members reunite for knighthood

<p>ABBA has reunited to receive the Royal Order of Vasa knighthoods in Sweden. </p> <p>All four members of the iconic group were handed the honours by King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia at the Royal Palace in Sweden.</p> <p>Bjorn Ulvaeus, Anni-Frid Lyngstad, Agnetha Faltskog and Benny Andersson received one of the country's most prestigious awards, establishing them as Commanders of the First Class, for “very outstanding efforts in Swedish and international music life.”</p> <p>The Royal Order of Vasa is an order of chivalry given in recognition of personal efforts for Sweden or for Swedish interests, and was last handed out almost 50 years ago. </p> <p>The pop band were recognised by the King and Queen for their cultural impact, which has taken Swedish pop music to a huge global audience, following their win in the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest with their smash hit <em>Waterloo</em>. </p> <p>Candidates for this year's Royal Order of Vasa honours were nominated by the public and approved by the Swedish government and the King. </p> <p>It has been forty years since the group last performed live together. </p> <p>In 2021 they released a comeback album called <em>Voyage</em>. </p> <p>The group also gathered at the ABBA Arena in London on Thursday to celebrate the second anniversary of <em>Abba Voyage, </em>the avatar show that has been successfully playing at the venue. </p> <p>They have declined to perform at at this year's Eurovision, marking 50 years since their win. </p> <p><em>Image: Henrik Montgomery/EPA-EFE/ Shutterstock Editorial</em></p>

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"Arise, Sir Brian!": Legendary rocker knighted by King Charles

<p>Queen guitarist Brian May has been knighted by King Charles for his extraordinary contribution and influence on the music industry. </p> <p>The 75-year-old rockstar was supported by his wife of 23 years, actress Anita Dobson, along with other members of his family for the special day.</p> <p>He was not only honoured for his musical work, but also for his many years of working with charities. </p> <p>The songwriter and animal welfare advocate, who also has a PhD degree in astrophysics, has earned the new title of Sir Dr Brian May. </p> <p>May took to Instagram to share a photo of the honour formally being awarded to him as King Charles placed a sword on his shoulders.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CpxNrkwsKED/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CpxNrkwsKED/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Brian Harold May (@brianmayforreal)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>"No words!," he wrote.</p> <p>The knighthood is not the first time May has been honoured for his work,  as back in 2005, he was appointed a Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE) for services to the music industry and for charity work.</p> <p>Brian May recently reflected on one of his most notable performances: when he played <em>God Save the Queen</em> from the roof of Buckingham Palace during Queen Elizabeth's Golden Jubilee in 2002.</p> <p>"The roof was a very special thing, that's something you do once in your life," he told the <a title="Express.co.uk" href="https://www.express.co.uk/entertainment/music/1667632/Brian-May-God-Save-The-Queen-Buckingham-Palace-roof" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Express.co.uk</a>.</p> <p>"It was riveting and it was terrifying for me and it changed me as a person."</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">🧵2/2- That iconic moment when Brian May played on the roof of Buckingham Palace for the 2002 Golden Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II. Sir Brian May is a legend 🙌👑🎶🎸 <a href="https://t.co/trzRwNqUei">pic.twitter.com/trzRwNqUei</a></p> <p>— Fifi ❤️ The Waleses / Cambridges 🇺🇸🇳🇮🇬🇧 (@hellen3030) <a href="https://twitter.com/hellen3030/status/1635678972385058817?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p>He echoed a similar sentiment when he shared a clip of the performance on social media.</p> <p>"I was on top of Buckingham Palace. The loneliest place in the world, playing <em>God Save The Queen</em> and terrified out of my wits," he said in the caption.</p> <p>"But it's one of those times where you face the fear and you're never quite the same again after it."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

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Sir David Attenborough receives unique honour

<p dir="ltr">Sir David Attenborough now has not one, but two knighthoods, after receiving the honour in recognition of his conservation and television broadcasting work. </p> <p dir="ltr">The iconic naturalist was awarded the prestigious Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George - an honour usually reserved for diplomats -  by the Prince of Wales, a fellow passionate campaigner for environmental issues.</p> <p dir="ltr">Sir David was first knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1985, and collected his newest medal at an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle on Wednesday, June 8.</p> <p dir="ltr">The 96-year-old is also the first recipient of the award without a diplomatic background.</p> <p dir="ltr">"At Windsor Castle, Sir David Attenborough is invested by the Prince of Wales as a Knight of the Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George," the royal family's official Twitter account read.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-10b3145b-7fff-7984-3276-8df103779362"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">"Congratulations Sir David!"</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">🌍 Well done to Sir David Attenborough, who was made a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George, for his lifetime of work in broadcasting and promoting the importance of the natural world and its conservation. <a href="https://t.co/tRLEIreV3R">pic.twitter.com/tRLEIreV3R</a></p> <p>— The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall (@ClarenceHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/ClarenceHouse/status/1534582171440230404?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 8, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">Clarence House, the social media account for Prince Charles and Camilla, also shared the news, along with one photo from the investiture and another of Sir David with a young Prince Charles and Princess Anne meeting a cockatoo.</p> <p dir="ltr">The nature presenter has had a close relationship with the royals for a number of years, particularly with the Queen, her late husband Prince Philip, Prince Charles and Prince William.</p> <p dir="ltr">In 2019, he established the Earthshot Prize with Prince William to inspire innovative solutions to current global environmental challenges.</p> <p dir="ltr">As part of the recent Platinum Jubilee celebrations, Sir David delivered a message about climate change and the planet that was projected onto the front of Buckingham Palace.</p> <p dir="ltr">His speech was followed by one from Prince William, who praised Sir David and the Queen for their commitment to the environment</p> <p dir="ltr">"Today, in 2022, as the Queen celebrates her Platinum Jubilee, the pressing need to protect and restore our planet has never been more urgent," Prince William told the audience.</p> <p dir="ltr">"But like her, I am an optimist.</p> <p dir="ltr">"It's my firm hope that my grandmother's words are as true in 70 years time as they are tonight. That as nations we come together in common cause because then there is always room for hope."</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-1f622e1b-7fff-98b2-db7a-febad49762cf"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

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Queen Elizabeth II honours Captain Sir Thomas Moore with Knighthood

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text "> <p>Queen Elizabeth II has knighted Captain Sir Thomas Moore in an effort to recognise his valiant fundraising efforts and boosting the spirits of Britain during the coronavirus pandemic.</p> <p>Moore, 100, raised 33 million pounds ($59.2 million) for the National Health Service (NHS) in April by pledging to walk 100 laps of his backyard in celebration of his 100th birthday.</p> <p>He captured the hearts of the world with his hard work and caught the attention of the Queen, who knighted him in one of her first official outings since the coronavirus pandemic began.</p> <p>Moore stood in front of the Queen, holding onto a wheeled walking frame.</p> <p>"I have been overwhelmed by the many honours I have received over the past weeks, but there is simply nothing that can compare to this,'' he tweeted after the ceremony.</p> <p>"I am overwhelmed with pride and joy."</p> <p>Moore was so excited about the Knighthood that he broke protocol by revealing the private conversation he had with the Queen herself.</p> <p>"She did mention I'm 100, and I said to her, 'Well, you've a long way to go yet,' so she's alright," he said.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CCv5Iehnbu1/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CCv5Iehnbu1/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by The Royal Family (@theroyalfamily)</a> on Jul 17, 2020 at 8:31am PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Queen Elizabeth II has been sheltering at Windsor Castle since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic in March.</p> <p>Sir Tom's knighthood was one of the first official duties that the Queen has carried out since the pandemic began.</p> </div> </div> </div>

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Queen to knight Tom Moore in her first in-person engagement since lockdown

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text "> <p>Tom Moore made headlines around the world with his valiant efforts to walk 100 laps of his back garden in order to raise money for the UK National Health System (NHS).</p> <p>He chose the number 100 in order to celebrate his 100th birthday and captured hearts around the world with his sweet goal.</p> <p>He raised more than $50 million for the NHS and is about to receive a knighthood for his charity work.</p> <p>Much to the surprise of Moore, the Queen herself is making it her first in-person engagement since the lockdown.</p> <p>In a statement from Buckingham Palace, it was revealed that the Queen would confer the Honour of Knighthood on Captain Sir Thomas Moore at an Investiture at Windsor Castle on the 17th of July. </p> <p>The statement added: "During the ceremony, The Queen will use the sword that belonged to her father, George VI and will award Captain Sir Thomas Moore with the insignia of Knight Bachelor."</p> <p>Strict social distancing measures will be in place for the event, with the entire ceremony taking place inside the confines of Windsor Castle.</p> <p>"Members of the public are asked not to attend Windsor town centre or gather in the hope of seeing any of the ceremony, which will not be visible from any external viewpoint," the Palace explained.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">A message from Tom 'I could never have imagined this would happen to me. It is such a huge honour and I am very much looking forward to meeting Her Majesty The Queen. It is going to be the most special of days for me'<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FridayWillBeAGoodDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FridayWillBeAGoodDay</a> <a href="https://t.co/zha2bCIMzi">pic.twitter.com/zha2bCIMzi</a></p> — Captain Tom Moore (@captaintommoore) <a href="https://twitter.com/captaintommoore/status/1283363304249991168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 2020</a></blockquote> <p>When Moore's knighthood was announced, he said he was "overwhelmed with the gesture".</p> <p>"Never for one moment could I have imagined I would be awarded with such a great honour," he said.</p> <p>"This started as something small and I've been overwhelmed by the gratitude and love from the British public and beyond. We must take this opportunity to recognise our frontline heroes of the National Health Service who put their lives at risk every day to keep us safe."</p> </div> </div> </div>

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“True national treasure”: Moore to be knighted by the Queen

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text "> <p>Captain Tom Moore captured hearts around the world as he walked laps around his garden to raise money for NHS charities. He has since raised more than £33m ($NZD 65m) and is set to receive a knighthood for his heroic fundraising efforts, which is news he is “delighted” by.</p> <p>Downing Street confirmed the news on Tuesday, with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson saying that Moore is a “beacon of light through the fog of coronavirus”.</p> <p>"Colonel Tom’s fantastic fundraising broke records, inspired the whole country and provided us all with a beacon of light through the fog of coronavirus," Johnson said in a statement.</p> <p>"On behalf of everyone who has been moved by his incredible story, I want to say a huge thank you. He's a true national treasure."</p> <p>Queen Elizabeth approved the knighthood and it will formally be announced later today.</p> <p>She also acknowledged his efforts with a personalised birthday card. It is tradition that the Queen sends letters to all British centenarians, but Moore’s card contained a message specific to his fundraising efforts.</p> <p>"I am so pleased to know that you are celebrating your one hundredth birthday on 30th April, 2020," it read.</p> <p>"I was also most interested to hear of your recent fundraising efforts for NHS Charities Together at this difficult time. I send my congratulations and best wishes to you on such a special occasion."</p> <p>Prince William has also written to Moore to congratulate him on his amazing achievement.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">We sent <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CaptainTomMoore?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CaptainTomMoore</a> a special message from the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. 🥰 Watch his reaction below...⤵️<a href="https://twitter.com/KensingtonRoyal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KensingtonRoyal</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/captaintommoore?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@captaintommoore</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WalkWithTom?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WalkWithTom</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BBCBreakfast?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BBCBreakfast</a><br />More here: <a href="https://t.co/wy1ixmuA2E">https://t.co/wy1ixmuA2E</a> <a href="https://t.co/U2oPdwbZA7">pic.twitter.com/U2oPdwbZA7</a></p> — BBC Breakfast (@BBCBreakfast) <a href="https://twitter.com/BBCBreakfast/status/1251029611942739968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 17, 2020</a></blockquote> <p>"It's wonderful that everyone has been inspired by his story and his determination. I think he's a one man fundraising machine," Prince William said in an interview with the BBC. "Good on him and I hope he keeps going."</p> </div> </div> </div>

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Rod Stewart receives knighthood from Prince William

<p>British rock singer-songwriter Rod Stewart has become Sir Roderick after he was knighted by Prince William at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday.</p> <p>The 71-year-old, whose career hits include Maggie May, You Wear It Well and Tonight's the Night, received a knighthood for his services to music and charity after more than 50 years in show business.</p> <p><img width="500" height="375" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/28743/image__500x375.jpg" alt="Image_ (1)" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p>"It feels wonderful, it really, really does. It's mind-blowing," Sir Rod said.</p> <p>Sir Rod revealed Prince William had asked him if he was going to keep touring and recording.</p> <p>"I said yes because I've got eight children, I haven't got much option, and he just said it was well deserved… It's been a long and wonderful afternoon," he said.</p> <p><img width="500" height="334" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/28745/7924474-3x2-700x467_500x334.jpg" alt="7924474-3x 2-700x 467" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p>Rod Stewart is in good company, joining the likes of Elton John, Paul McCartney and Mick Jagger, whom have all received the honour. </p> <p><strong>Related links: </strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/music/2016/06/unforgettable-songs-of-the-60s/"><em>Unforgettable songs of the '60s</em></a></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/music/2016/04/paul-mccartney-and-john-lennon-secret-fight/"><em>Paul McCartney and John Lennon’s secret feud</em></a></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/music/2016/03/surprising-facts-about-the-beatles/"><em>8 facts about The Beatles most people don’t know</em></a></strong></span></p>

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