Idris Elba is an actor, a DJ, a producer, and a tireless advocate for young people. And as of June 2, he can add “Sir” to that already impressive resume. King Charles knighted Elba at an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle, recognising his services to young people. Elba, 53, knelt as the monarch tapped a sword on his shoulders. Later, he posted a photo holding hands with his wife, Sabrina, at the castle grounds, captioning it: “We are thankful. The work continues.”
Idris Elba received his knighthood for services to young people from King Charles at Windsor Castle.
“We are thankful. The work continues,” the King’s Trust ambassador and Elba Hope Foundation co‑founder said.
The actor, activist and musician has credited a grant he received from The King’s Trust as a teen for helping launch his career in the arts.
Elba and the King recently teamed up behind the DJ booth at a Buckingham Palace garden party celebrating the 50th anniversary of the King’s Trust. Elba told PEOPLE it was “amazing” to DJ alongside the monarch.
People
Related Stories
Final Thoughts
Idris Elba is an enormously talented actor who is charismatic, hard‑working, and has used his platform to advocate for young people and marginalised communities. The Elba Hope Foundation does real work by supporting diaspora communities and expanding opportunities. He has also spoken openly about knife crime, something that affects too many young lives. On a personal level, I have nothing but respect for him.
But here is where I hesitate. The honours system, especially knighthoods, is tied directly to the monarchy. And the monarchy is an institution built on hereditary privilege, inherited wealth and a class system. When someone kneels before a king to receive a title, they are not just accepting a pat on the back. They are endorsing the very structure that elevates one family above everyone else by birth.
David Bowie turned down a CBE and a knighthood. Stephen Hawking reportedly declined a knighthood. Benjamin Zephaniah declined his OBE becuase he said the word “empire” reminded him of slavery and brutality. They understood that accepting a title from the Crown is never just a neutral pat on the back. It ties public service to an honours system rooted in monarchy and empire.
I do not doubt that Elba’s intentions are good. He has said the recognition is for the work, and that his family feels honoured. He has also credited The King’s Trust grant for helping him at a young age, so there is a genuine personal connection. That is fair. And he has never been a firebrand republican; he is free to accept whatever honours he chooses.
But the wider question remains: why do we still have knights? Why do we need a king to tap a sword on someone’s shoulder to validate their service to young people? Why can a state honour not be awarded by an elected head of state, without the kneeling, without the coronet, without the feudal imagery?
Idris Elba did not create the honours system. He is a product of it, and he has used it to amplify his charitable work. That is his choice. But seeing a talented Black man kneel before King Charles feels like the same old system co‑opting excellence to keep itself relevant. So yes, congratulations to Sir Idris Elba. The man deserves praise. But the knighthood? That belongs to a past we should be leaving behind.
Embed from Getty ImagesDiscover more from Feminegra
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
I’m so disappointed with another POC who willingly takes these honours after the racism that the royals have shown against Meghan . I may be willing to bestow an honour just don’t try and join our family you will never be welcome and what about all the corruption with the handling of Andrews behaviour??. If the Epstein files hadn’t been released with Andrew,Fergie ,Beatrice and Eugenie involvement with him they would have continued to cover it all up. How anyone could feel honour and respect to get some medal or a few words against their name from these people is inconceivable to me, does it give these people better lives being a Sir,Dame, or be given an MBE ??? Well , there goes another person that I will stop watching or have any interest in anything they do.
Simply theatrical, strategically curated for palace PR propaganda and image management.
Absolutely incredible how many POC remain trapped and unable to rid themselves of enslaved mindsets.
The King has clearly shown his disdain for Black people, like the newly minted Idris Elba. Allegedly, dislikes and avoids touring black led Commonwealth Countries.
Notably, during visits in the UK and on tours abroad he ignores and bypasses the outstretched hands of fans, well-wishers who happen to be black, including children.
I would never accept British ‘honours’ either. If Elba came from a former British settler colony, perhaps he would be too disgusted and repulsed by their atrocities, the rape and plunder to accept such an award. I bet he is just not adequately educated. The history-related ignorance is unfortunately, a widespread disease afflicting many including those who should know better. It will only get worse in a world where STEM is elevated above all else.