Scottish comedian Billy Connolly has been knighted in the Queen's Birthday honours list.
The actor, extremely popular here in New Zealand, is being recognised for his services to entertainment and charity.
It's a milestone year for Sir Billy, who will also celebrate his 75th birthday in November. He's also had three murals erected in his honour in his home city of Glasgow.
Upon learning of his honour, he told the BBC: "I feel as if I should be called Lancelot or something. Sir Lancelot, that would be nice. Sir Billy doesn't quite have the same ring."
Sir Billy has in the past been teased and even heckled for his friendship with members of the royal family, including Prince Charles, but once said: "I'm not going to throw away the hand of friendship to suit 100 Trotskyites in Glasgow."
Sir Paul McCartney and J.K. Rowling will become companions of honour, an exclusive group that can hold no more than 65 people. Vacancies only arise on the death of another holder.
Newshub.
