Wogan ‘delighted’ by knighthood honour

IRISH broadcaster Terry Wogan said yesterday he was “surprised and delighted” to be awarded an honorary knighthood by Queen Elizabeth II.

The award is given to foreign nationals who have made an important contribution to British life.

The Limerick man has been a fixture of the airwaves for 40 years.

He is Britain’s most popular DJ - his Radio 2 breakfast show Wake Up With Wogan has more than eight million listeners.

And the 66-year-old is one of the most famous names in TV thanks to his long-running chat show Wogan and his coverage of the Eurovision Song Contest and Children In Need.

Wogan said yesterday: “I am surprised and delighted that Her Majesty has given me this honour. I hope I can prove worthy of it.”

Born in Limerick, Wogan was working in a bank when he answered an advert to become a newsreader and announcer on Radio Éireann.

He is married with two sons and a daughter.

Recipients of honorary knighthoods in the past include Bob Geldof and Microsoft billionaire Bill Gates.

The honour is conferred by the Queen but recipients do not have the title Sir.

The knighthood also welcomed Sir Del Boy to its ranks.

Actor David Jason said: “It is totally unexpected and I can only hope it will bring a little pleasure to the viewing public as it has brought great pleasure to me and my family.”

Jason is one of Britain’s favourite actors.

His role as wheeler-dealer Del Boy Trotter in Only Fools And Horses has won him a special place in the hearts of the public.

He also played much-loved characters such as Detective Inspector Jack Frost in A Touch Of Frost and Pop Larkin in The Darling Buds Of May.

Born David White in February 1940, Jason grew up in north London. His father was a porter at Billingsgate fish market and his mother a cleaning lady.

Dr Michael Smurfit, chairman of the Jefferson Smurfit Group, made the honours list for his services to British business and charitable interests.

“I am proud to be Irish, it is, however, a wonderful privilege to be honoured by my country of birth,” Dr Smurfit said.

Dr Smurfit, who was born in Lancashire in 1936, holds dual Irish and British citizenship. The print tycoon has been a strong contributor to a variety of charities.

Northern Ireland’s police chief Hugh Orde was also awarded a knighthood.