Bob Iger and John Williams Selected for Honorary KBE Awards by Queen Elizabeth II

On September 8th, 2022, Queen Elizabeth II passed away at 96 years old after ruling the British Commonwealth for 70 years.

Not only did the Queen’s influence stretch from the Commonwealth to several other nations and people around the globe, but she even had an impact on a few Disney stories throughout the years. Former Disney CEO Bob Iger expressed his sympathies when the Queen passed, and now it seems Iger is being honored by Her Majesty even after her death.

Bob Iger shared his condolences after Queen Elizabeth II’s passing, sharing that he “always respected and appreciated her energy, dedication, fortitude…and the fact that she loved her job and her people loved her back.”

And now, it has been announced that Bob Iger has been selected for a 2022 Honorary Knight Commander of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II herself. In addition, legendary film composer John Williams has also been selected to receive an Honorary KBE.

According to Variety, the two were part of a select group of foreign nationals to receive the honorary awards that were approved by the Queen before her passing.

Iger was chosen for “services to the UK/US relations,” most likely for his run as Disney CEO and how his role affected UK-based film, TV, and stage production. John Williams was selected for his “many years of ‘services to film music.'”

Expressing his gratitude in a recent statement, Bob Iger shared, “These last few weeks we have been reminded of the extraordinary life and service of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. It is truly special and one of the great honors of my life to have the honorary Knight of the British Empire conferred on me by her before she passed.”

He went on to say, “Our two nations share a strong bond, which I have seen up close over many years through my deep personal and professional connections to the United Kingdom. I have great affection for the people of the UK, and have always appreciated and been inspired by their extraordinary contributions, particularly in the creative arts.”

Congratulations to Bob Iger and John Williams for their Honorary Knight Commander of the British Empire selections, and our thoughts continue to be with those who are mourning the passing of the Queen.