Idris Elba is still not James Bond, but he is now Sir Idris.
Elba was among several stars honoured at Windsor Castle on Tuesday, when King Charles officially knighted him.
“We are thankful, the work continues,” Elba wrote in an Instagram story alongside a photo of himself wearing his medal and holding hands with his wife, Sabrina Dhowre Elba.
Known for The Wire and Luther, Elba was knighted for his services to young people.
In 2022, he and Sabrina Dhowre Elba founded the Elba Hope Foundation, which aims to promote sustainable development in the UK, US and Africa, expand opportunity and access for young people, and support community empowerment and education.
He is also a goodwill ambassador for The King’s Trust, the charity founded by King Charles, formerly known as The Prince’s Trust, to support vulnerable young people.
Elba also posted a video on social media showing him jumping up and down while holding a new Arsenal jersey with “SIR ELBA” written on it.
He and Charles are also working together on a Netflix documentary marking 50 years of the charity, which launched in 1976. It is scheduled for release in the fall.
Elba’s connection to the palace goes back to when he was 18, when he received a grant from The Prince’s Trust and used it to attend the National Youth Music Theatre, where he studied acting.
Others honoured on Tuesday included Olympic ice dancing champions Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean, who were recognised for services to ice skating and voluntary work.
Comedian Meera Syal was honoured for services to literature, drama and charity.
Comedian Paul Elliott, one of the Chuckle Brothers, was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire for charitable service.
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