Spielberg gets Royal honour

Spielberg is no stranger to awards

Hollywood film director Steven Spielberg is to receive an honorary knighthood for his contribution to entertainment and the British film industry.

The American movie mogul, whose films include Jurassic Park, ET and Saving Private Ryan, will receive the award at a ceremony next month.

Mr Spielberg will not become Sir Steven, as he is not a British citizen, but will be able to use the letters KBE after his name, for Knight of the British Empire.

Honorary knighthoods are conferred by the Queen, on the advice of the foreign secretary, on those who have made an important contribution to relations between their country and the UK.

The award...recognises Steven Spielberg's extraordinary contribution to the entertainment industry and the British film industry

British Embassy website

The ceremony will take place after a private dinner for the director's family and friends hosted by the British Ambassador, Sir Christopher Meyer.

Mr Spielberg will not have to kneel or be tapped on each shoulder with a sword, as is the practice with full knighthoods.

A statement on the British Embassy website confirmed the appointment.

The film director is not the first American to receive an honorary British knighthood.

Other recent recipients include former presidents George Bush and Ronald Reagan, Secretary of State designate Colin Powell, General Norman Schwarzkopf, comedian Bob Hope, and conductor Andre Previn.

The honour consolidates a close relationship between Prime Minister Tony Blair's family and Mr Spielberg, according to The Times newspaper.