Bradley Page – WPA Pool/Getty ImagesPaul McCartney, who was knighted in 1997, returned to Buckingham Palace in London Friday to receive another prestigious honor.
BBC News reports that the former Beatles star was made a Companion of Honour by Queen Elizabeth II in recognition of his services to music.
Sir Paul issued a statement about Friday’s ceremony, saying “I see this as a huge honor for me and my family and I think of how proud my Liverpool mum and dad would have been to see this.”
The Order of the Companions of Honour was established in 1917, and acknowledges U.K. citizens who have made important contributions to arts, science, medicine or government on a national level over a long period of time. A maximum of 65 people can serve as Companions of Honour at any one time.
McCartney was accompanied by his wife, Nancy Shevell, at the investiture ceremony. The honor was announced last June as part of the 2017 edition of the Queen’s annual Birthday Honours.
Other notable people who currently are serving as Companions of Honour include Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling and actors Maggie Smith, Judi Dench and Ian McKellen.
In March, McCartney’s former Beatles band mate Ringo Starr was knighted at Buckingham Palace by Prince William.
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