Key Highlights
- Idris Elba, 53, almost missed the offer of a knighthood from King Charles III.
- The actor and activist revealed he nearly missed the letter due to a mix-up with the mail during an appearance on The Graham Norton Show.
- Elba received his knighthood for services to young people in December 2025, announced in King Charles’ New Year’s Honours list.
- The honor comes with a new
Sir Idris Elba, who will have the option of wearing the sword at investiture ceremonies if he wishes.
Idris Elba Almost Missed His Knighthood Offer Due to Mail Mix-Up
In an entertaining and candid moment on The Graham Norton Show, Idris Elba shared the “embarrassing” story of how he nearly missed out on a knighthood from King Charles III. The star, known for his work in film, television, and music, revealed that the letter asking whether he would accept the honor got lost in a pile of post.
“It’s a bit embarrassing,” Elba admitted to People. “I was sent a consideration letter asking whether I would or wouldn’t accept it, but I didn’t see it as it got lost in a pile of post.” He added, “My agent told me that if I didn’t accept it would pass me by. By the time I found the letter I had only two days to decide.”
Elba ultimately accepted the offer and his knighthood was announced in King Charles’ New Year’s Honours list for 2026, recognizing his services to young people.
The Impact of Elba’s Knighthood
Idris Elba has long been an advocate for youth empowerment and anti-knife crime initiatives. He co-founded the Elba Hope Foundation in 2022, working tirelessly to support diaspora communities and create greater opportunities for young people.
“I got it for services to young people and I was thinking, ‘Hang on a minute, that’s great, but I’ve been acting for 30 years!'” Elba explained. “So it feels like an honor.” His family is equally proud of his recognition, with his wife Sabrina Elba expressing delight at the new title.
Elba’s Personal Connection to King Charles and The Prince’s Trust
The star has a personal connection to King Charles, having received a grant from the Prince’s Trust (now known as The King’s Trust) when he was 18. This enabled Elba to attend the U.K.’s prestigious National Youth Music Theatre and kickstart his career in the arts.
“I know people are saying, ‘Should I call you sir now? Should I curtsy?’ ” Elba joked about the protocol around his royal recognition. “Same old Idris.
Simple.”
Elba’s knighthood is part of a broader initiative by King Charles III to recognize and celebrate the achievements and service of extraordinary individuals across the U.K., with other notable recipients including Cynthia Erivo and Ellie Goulding.
The actor has not yet had the sword on his shoulder, which is a classic hallmark of investiture ceremonies. However, his wife Sabrina Elba was already “loving it” as she celebrated her husband’s new title.
In conclusion, Idris Elba’s knighthood serves as a testament to his dedication and impact in the entertainment industry and beyond, highlighting his continued commitment to supporting young people and making a positive difference in society.
