Former Disney CEO, Bob Iger, continues to keep himself busy and be at the center of some news stories.

We’ve seen Iger invest in a delivery startup service, reportedly comment on the selection of Bob Chapek as a successor CEO, and even weigh in on the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. And now there’s been another update involving Iger and U.K. royalty.

According to the U.K. government website, Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II approved a number of honorary British awards in 2022 before her passing. News of those awards has since been shared. Among the honorary award winners is none other than Bob Iger.

Iger was granted the honorary award of Honorary KBE (Honorary Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire). According to a CNN article from a few years ago, the Honorary KBE title is equivalent to British knights like Sir Paul McCartney or Sir Elton John.

The Gazette points out that these titles are honorary and, unlike citizens of other countries that have the Queen as their head of state, American citizens with honorary British knighthoods cannot put “Sir” or “Dame” before their names. Other famous Americans who have received the KBE award include Bill and Melinda Gates, Bob Hope, and Steven Speilberg.

Iger was provided the KBE award in relation to his “services to the UK/US relations,” and his role was specifically cited as “Former Chairman & Chief Executive Officer” of the Disney Company.

Iger responded via Twitter, saying that it is one of the “great honors” of his life to receive the honorary Knight title. He shared, “I have great affection for the people of the UK & have always appreciated and been inspired by their extraordinary contributions.”

It is one of the great honors of my life to have the honorary Knight of the British Empire conferred on me by Queen Elizabeth II before she passed. I have great affection for the people of the UK & have always appreciated and been inspired by their extraordinary contributions.

— Robert Iger (@RobertIger) September 24, 2022

 

But Iger isn’t the only force with ties to Disney that was given the honorary Knight award. Legendary composer and conductor John Williams was also granted the Honorary KBE award for “services to film music.”

You’ll likely recognize John Williams from his work on soundtracks and music for popular films including the Star Wars saga, Jaws, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Indiana Jones, and MUCH more.

Iger commented on this by posting congratulations to John Williams via Twitter. He shared that it is an honor to join Williams as an Honorary Knight. Iger shared, “I have always been in awe of his work. May the force be with him!”

You can see the full list of individuals honored here.

Curious to learn more about Bob Iger and what he’s been up to? Click here to see his more recent involvement in Funko, and click here to see how Iger is joining the metaverse with a special partnership.

Stay tuned for more news!

Click here to see Iger’s thoughts on Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill and more

What do you think of this award? Tell us in the comments.