LONDON (AP) – A Kink, a former Spice Girl, a Vogue editor and a dedicated glassblower are moving up a notch or two in the British hierarchy.
Queen Elizabeth II’s New Year honors list focuses on sports stars, some luminaries from the world of fashion and entertainment, and a heavy helping of researchers, doctors and volunteers who have worked behind-the-scenes to improve the quality of British life.
The list includes Oscar-winning actor and stage star Mark Rylance, who will become a knight, and the formerly pouting pop star Victoria Beckham, reinvented as a successful fashion designer, who will be made an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, usually known as an OBE. Not bad for a performer who made her name as a Spice Girl.
The Kinks’ Ray Davies, one of the most influential figures in the British invasion that reshaped rock ‘n’ roll in the 1960s, will become a knight, and American Vogue editor Anna Wintour, who will become a dame.
The 72-year-old Davies, known for his brilliant songwriting and playing, said he “initially I felt a mixture of surprise, humility, joy and a bit embarrassed but after thinking about it, I accept this for my family and fans as well as everyone who has inspired me to write.”