Duran Duran singer Simon Le Bon given royal honours for music and charity

The 66-year-old, from Bushey, Hertfordshire, is best known as the lead singer and lyricist of the iconic pop group that shot to fame in the early 1980s. 

The band formed in Birmingham back in 1978 and scored numerous hits over the years, including "Hungry Like the Wolf" and "Girls on Film."  

The musician dropped out of university to perform with the group. 

Now, the frontman is being recognised for his contributions to the 'New Romantics' music scene as well as his charity work. 

The singer has worked as an ambassador for the Blue Marine Foundation, which works to provide awareness on ways people can come together to save the oceans, and for the Tall Ships Youth Trust which runs seafaring trips for disadvantaged young people across the UK.

Le Bon said he was “truly beyond thrilled and surprised” in his initial reaction to the royal honour. 

He continued: “These last few years have been some of the most important in Duran Duran’s career, and this is a bright but humbling highlight as our journey continues.

“It is fitting that the honour has been awarded not just for my role in music, but also for the work I’ve been fortunate to be involved with outside the band for some of the causes I believe in.”

An Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) is awarded for significant contributions to the arts, sciences, charity, or public service. It is one of five ranks in the Order of the British Empire, established in 1917, and is typically given by the monarch.