Singer-songwriter Van Morrison and US actor Kevin Spacey have been given knighthoods in the UK Queen's Birthday Honours list.
Van Morrison Photo: AFP
The Belfast-born star has been recognised for services to music, and tourism in Northern Ireland, the inspiration for many of his hits.
Morrison said: "Throughout my career I have always preferred to let my music speak for me, and it is a huge honour to now have that body of work recognised in this way."
Spacey, who is soon to step down after 10 years as artistic director of the Old Vic theatre in London, said he felt like "an adopted son" after his honorary award for services to British theatre and international culture was announced.
Former Welsh rugby captain Gareth Edwards was knighted, and there were OBEs for ex-England footballer Frank Lampard, and England's record-breaking cricketer James Anderson.
Kevin Spacey Photo: AFP
Rugby Union star Jonny Wilkinson, whose name was wrongly reported to be in the last set of honours, became a CBE for his dedication to the game.
-BBC