London: Actor Idris Elba was knighted by King Charles during an investiture ceremony held at Windsor Castle on Tuesday. The ‘Head of State’ actor received the honour of knighthood for his services to young people.
The Royal Family shared photographs from the ceremony on its Instagram account, showing King Charles tapping a sword on Idris Elba’s shoulders as he knelt to receive the honour.
“Congratulations to everyone who received honours at today’s Investiture ceremonies, hosted by The King at Windsor Castle. Sir Idris Elba for services to young people,” the Royal Family captioned the carousel.
The ‘Wire’ actor later reposted the story on his Instagram account and expressed gratitude for the recognition.
“We are thankful. The work continues,” The Wire alum wrote over another photo that showed him wearing his medal and holding hands with his wife, Sabrina Elba, on the grounds of Windsor Castle.
Elba also tagged Sabrina Elba’s Instagram account and the Elba Hope Foundation, the charity the couple co-founded in 2022 to support diaspora communities and create greater opportunities.
According to People magazine, Elba’s knighthood was announced in King Charles’ 2026 New Year’s Honours list, with the recognition becoming official at Tuesday’s investiture ceremony. King Charles, Princess Anne and Prince William lead these ceremonies, presenting knighthoods, damehoods and other honours after the lists of recipients are announced twice annually.
Elba also serves as a Goodwill Ambassador for The King’s Trust and has previously credited a grant from the royal charity, received when he was 18, for helping him begin his journey in the arts.
Speaking to People at the screening of Hijack season 2 in January, Elba reflected on the honour.
“I haven’t really spoken about it, but I will say that it’s a real honor to be recognized for the work. Especially trying to make as much noise for young people and the things that some of them are going through. So it feels like an honor. My family is honored by it. I don’t even know how to talk about it,” said Elba as quoted by People.
Elba and King Charles recently appeared together at a Buckingham Palace garden party celebrating the 50th anniversary of The King’s Trust.
