Nineties rock star “Skin”, real name Deborah Dyer, received the Order of Merit from King Charles III of the British Empire at Widzor Castle. This order is awarded by the British royal family for outstanding service to society.
The “Skin” singer had chosen to wear large black platform boots and a bejeweled cape as she met the monarch. Dyer, the lead singer of British rock band Skunk Anansie, was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in Music.
The singer said that this honor came to her unexpectedly. “Skin”, best known for his band’s hit song singlu “Weak”said the honor was on par with the best moments of her career – singing in front of the Dalai Lama and dueting with Pavarotti.
“Just being in this castle is an honor, it has so much history and so much tradition. It’s quite nice to be born in this country and to be in this profession,” she said.
The rock singer said that it is hard to imagine that the king is a fan of her music, but she said that the conversation with the monarch was very sweet.
Deborah Dyer aka “Skin” after being made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire by King Charles during an institution ceremony at Windsor Castle, Berkshire, UK. February 7, 2023. (Photo: AP/Scanpix)
The 51-year-old fashion artist Stella McCartney also received an Order of the British Empire. She said: “Most of the fashion industry makes handbags and shoes from animals and uses very unsustainable sourcing, production and distribution.”
Fashion designer Stella McCartney is appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire by King Charles III at Windsor Castle, Windsor, England, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023. (Photo: AP/Scanpix)
The designer, who was honored with an order for services to fashion and sustainability, added that she feels privileged to be in a position to make informed decisions as the founder of a fashion house: “If I can do it, anyone can do it. We need to make more fashion houses and fast fashion would work this way, because every second a truckload of fast fashion is burned or buried – it’s a dirty business.”
She continued: “I feel very lucky and I feel really proud to be British. I’m half American but my business is here, my home is here and it’s moments like these that make me feel great to be British.”
Fashion designer Stella McCartney is appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire by King Charles III at Windsor Castle, Windsor, England, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023. (Photo: VIA REUTERS)
McCartney has achieved countless achievements in the fashion industry in nearly three decades, including designing Meghan Markle’s wedding dress and designing the costumes for the Great Britain Olympic team in 2012 and 2016.
“Working on the 2012 Olympics was an absolute highlight of my career. It was an amazing and unforgettable experience, and I was so proud to be a part of it when I think about it,” she said.
The Order of the British Empire is an order of chivalry established by King George V of the United Kingdom on 4 June 1917. The order has five classes. Only members of the two upper classes are knighted or damely, which allows (but does not require) the use of the title “Sir” (for men) or “Lady” (for women) before the name. This is the youngest of the British orders of chivalry, and the order with the largest number of recipients.
The order has five possible classes. The highest of them – Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire or Dame Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire, and the lowest – Knight of the Order of the British Empire.
Also for the Latvian conductor Andris Nelsons was awarded the Order of the Officer of the British Empire. Nelson received the high honor in 2018. On the other hand, in 2013, the Prince of Wales Charles presented the singer Adele with the Order of the Member of the British Empire.
James Bond actor Daniel Craig also received the order, actress Angelina Jolie and fashion designer, “Spice Girls” singer Victoria Beckham received the high award.
