Idris Elba receives knighthood from King Charles III for services to youth
You can know address him as Sir Idris.
Image: ANGELA WEISS / AFP
Idris Elba has officially been knighted by King Charles III in the 2026 New Year Honours list.
That's right, you can now address him as Sir Idris Elba!
While we all adore him for his mesmerising performances as Stringer Bell in “The Wire”, the gritty detective John Luther, or even his turn as Heimdall in the Marvel Universe, this knighthood isn't just about his acting roles.
Sir Idris was specifically honoured for his outstanding services to young people.
For years, Elba, alongside his wife Sabrina, has been a vocal advocate against knife crime and a champion for youth empowerment.
Idris Elba alongside his wife Sabrina.
Image: VALERIE MACON / AFP
Their Elba Hope Foundation has been doing incredible work, providing opportunities and a beacon of hope for young individuals.
It’s a truly full circle moment for the star, who himself received a £1,500 grant from The King’s Trust (then The Prince's Trust) in his youth, helping him kickstart his acting dreams.
Now, he's being recognised by the very institution that once offered him a hand up.
"I hope we can do more to draw attention to the importance of sustained, practical support for young people and to the responsibility we all share to help them find an alternative to violence," said Elba, who becomes a sir.
The news, announced at the end of 2025, has sent ripples of excitement across social media.
Fans are already having a field day imagining new lines for “The Wire”, where everyone would have to address Stringer Bell with his new, regal title.
Of course, Sir Idris isn't the only talent recognised in this prestigious list.
The multi-talented Cynthia Erivo also received a well-deserved MBE, celebrating her contributions to music, film, and theatre.
'Wicked' star Cynthia Erivo.
Image: Bang Showbiz
And for sports fans, iconic Olympic ice dancing champions Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean were also knighted, becoming Dame Jayne Torvill and Sir Christopher Dean, respectively.