Brian May, lead guitarist for the rock band Queen, received a knighthood from King Charles III.
A founding member of the internationally renowned band, whose wide-ranging hits include “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “We Are the Champions” and “We Will Rock You,” he will now be known as Sir Brian, having been knighted by the Britain’s new monarch at an investiture ceremony on Tuesday at Buckingham Palace.
On May 75, he received the title of Knight Bachelor for his services to music and charity.
Joining the rocker for the ceremony was his wife, Anita Dobson, a celebrity in her own right. The Olivier Award-nominated actress starred in the long-running British soap opera “EastEnders.”
“Rise up Sir Brian May”, a cheep from the band’s official Twitter account.
“Brian’s investiture as a Knight of the Realm took place today at Buckingham Palace. Brian was awarded a knighthood by his Royal Highness, King Charles. Many congratulations, Sir Brian!”
On Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee in 2002, the Hampton, UK native performed a rendition of “God Save the Queen” from the roof of Buckingham Palace.
Two decades later, May performed with her band for Her Royal Majesty’s “Platinum Party at the Palace” concert, which also featured Adam Lambert, Duran Duran, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Craig David, Rod Stewart, Mica Paris and Diana Ross. .
May, who is also an astrophysicist and animal welfare activist, was honored along with award-winning British saxophonist YolanDa Brown during Tuesday’s event.
The two highly regarded musicians are among more than 1,000 community leaders, artists and athletes honored in the first-ever King Carlos III New Year’s Honors List, which was announced in December.