Entertainment

Paul McCartney pays tribute to parents as he receives ‘huge honour’

May 05, 2018

Sir Paul McCartney was joined by his wife Nancy Shevell at Buckingham Palace. Source: Getty

Sir Paul McCartney has paid homage to his parents, as he was made a Companion of Honour for his services to music.

The former Beatle, 75, was joined by his wife Nancy Shevell, 58, at Buckingham Palace as he received the honour from the Queen more than 20 years after his knighthood.

McCartney said: “I see this as a huge honour for me and my family and I think of how proud my Liverpool mum and dad would have been to see this.”

Posing outside the palace hand-in-hand, McCartney looked in high spirits, dressed for the occasion in a tailored navy suit, custom made by his fashion designer daughter Stella McCartney, 46.

Shevell also opted for a navy ensemble, completed with a pillar box hat. She finished off the look with velvet heels and accessorised with a black clutch.

Paul at Buckingham Palace earlier today where he was made a Companion of Honour by the Queen for services to music. “I see this as a huge honour for me and my family and I think of how proud my Liverpool mum and dad would have been to see this.” Photos by @PA #CompanionOfHonour pic.twitter.com/UmrseQx6t9

— Paul McCartney (@PaulMcCartney) May 4, 2018

The royal family took to social media to congratulate the English singer on his achievement.

Taking to Instagram they wrote: “Congratulations to Sir Paul McCartney who has been made a Companion of Honour at Buckingham Palace today in recognition of his lasting contribution to music in the UK and worldwide.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/BiWsHEygHOa/?taken-by=theroyalfamily

The Order of the Companions of Honour was founded by George V in 1917 to recognise services of national importance. A Companion of Honour is awarded for the most outstanding achievements at a national level and there can only ever be a maximum of 65 at any given time. When one member dies another candidate can be selected.

Recipients also included former English cricketer Clare Connor, who collected a CBE (Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire), former alpine skier Sarah Lewis, OBE (Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire), and Holocaust survivor Dr Martin Stern, MBE (Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire).

His former band mate and only other living Beatle Sir Rango Starr received a knighthood earlier this year.