The 46-year-old singer was knighted in a ceremony in Dublin on Thursday by British Ambassador to Ireland David Reddaway. When he became Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, Bono's wife and four children were present as well as U2 bandmates the Edge and Adam Clayton.

According to the Associated Press, Bono joked about his inability to use the "Sir" title, stating, "You have permission to call me anything you want – except sir, all right? Lord of lords, your demigodness, that'll do." Bono also said, "It has been a great year for this award to happen in. And it does feel like this country and Great Britain are closer than they have ever been."