20 Celebrities You Didn't Know Have British Royal Titles

From Vivienne Westwood to Posh Spice, these honorary royals have made lasting contributions to their fields.

These days, you don’t have to be born into the crown to earn a royal title. Queen Elizabeth II may bestow royal honors onto anyone that has made impactful contributions to charity, the arts, drama, and more. There are five different honors given, the most prominent among them the Knight and Dame Grand Cross (GBE), followed by Knight and Dame Commander (KBE/DBE), Commander (CBE), Officer (OBE), and Member (MBE). A number of celebrities have made the list over the years, including famous rockstars, fashion designers, and actors. With renewed interest in the royals thanks to The Crown's Season 4 debut, L’OFFICIEL rounds up 20 celebrities that have been awarded a royal title.

1 / 20

John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, and George Harrison all hold royal titles. Each member of The Beatles was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire in 1965, only a year after making their film debut in ‘A Hard Day’s Night.’ In 1997, Paul McCartney was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II. Ringo Starr received the same honor in 2018.

Mary Quant is easily one of the most influential designers to modern fashion. The British designer was a pivotal part of developing the Mod aesthetics of youth in the 1960s by helping develop both hot pants and the mini skirt. By shortening hemlines, Quant helped usher in a new era of rebellious fashion that allowed women to further express themselves. Quant’s daring cuts were so innovative that they eventually earned her royal titles. In 1966 she was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) and in 2015 she was officially made a Dame Commander.

Vivenne Westwood’s influence on the punk movement, as well as her value of sustainable and ethical practices, made her one of the most influential designers in London. Her work was recognized by the OBE in 1992 when she received the title of Officer of the Most Excellent Order, and further commended in 2006 when she was named to a Dame Commander of the Most Excellent Order.

Sir Elton John has been a knight since 1998. The singer—and style icon—has long been an advocate for LGBTQIA+ community.

The Queen herself named Elizabeth Taylor Dame Commander in 2000. The movie star was included on the Millennium New Year Honors List.

Actress Julie Andrews was awarded the title of Dame Commander for her contributions to the performing arts in 2000. The British actress has also played royalty herself in the ‘Princess Diaries’ films.

Menswear designer Paul Smith was made a Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in 2000. Nine years prior, Smith was also made a Royal Designer for Industry. British-born Smith honed his talents at Savile Row before launching his own eponymous, renowned brand.

The founding Rolling Stones member is a knight. Then-Prime Minister Tony Blair nominated the rockstar for knighthood in 2002, and the honor was granted the following year. Jagger’s incredible career not only ushered in a new era of music, but of fashion as well.

Helen Mirren became Dame Helen Mirren in 2003 when she was awarded the honor Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire.

Prince Charles awarded Adele a Most Excellent Order of the British Empire title in 2013. The British singer grew up in Tottenham, London.

In 2014, the actor officially received a royal title when he was awarded the status of Officer of the Order of the British Empire. Elba is also a writer, producer, rapper, and DJ, and has received Golden Globe, Emmy, and BAFTA nominations for his acting.

An actress, humanitarian, and London School of Economics lecturer, Angelina Jolie became a royal in 2014 when Queen Elizabeth II herself awarded Jolie the title Honorary Dame.

Actor David Oyelowo received his royal OBE title in 2015 from Queen Elizabeth II. The British-American has starred in films like ‘Selma,’ ‘A United Kingdom,’ and ‘Queen of Katwe.’

Victoria Beckham was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 2017 for her contributions to fashion. The popstar and style icon launched an eponymous label in 2008, and was named Designer of the Year at 2011’s British Fashion Awards. Beckham’s husband David was appointed OBE in 2003.

Gugu Mbatha-Raw became a Member of the Order of the British Empire in 2017 for her contributions to Drama. The actress studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art before appearing in ‘Doctor Who,’ ‘Misbehaviour,’ and ‘Beauty and the Beast.’

Prince Charles awarded Ralph Lauren Honorary Knighthood of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire at a 2019 private ceremony at Buckingham Palace. The event made Lauren the first American Designer to receive the honor.

In 2019 Prince Charles also awarded Damehood to supermodel Lesley Lawson, popularly known as Twiggy. “About time you got this,” the prince said when she received the honor. The early supermodel’s thin build and long eyelashes helped define a new standard of beauty in the ‘60s. However, she was awarded her royal titles for her services to the arts and charity as well as fashion.

Earlier this year, Prince William awarded Rapper M.I.A. a Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. M.I.A. attended her awards ceremony with her mother, who was one of two women—the other is M.I.A.’s cousin—responsible for hand-stitching the medals each year.

London-based designer Erdem Moralıoğlu was included on the Queen’s Birthday Honors list and received an MBE earlier this year. The designer is known for his whimsical prints and romantic fashion.

Earlier this month, Kim Jones was awarded with an OBE as part of the Queen’s Birthday Honous list. The Dior Men designer is also Karl Lagerfeld’s successor as the Artistic Director of Women’s collections at Fendi.