Arise Sir Van – Morrison awarded a knighthood

Van Morrison, the iconic Belfast-born musician was named in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List this weekend.
Van the Man is now Van the Knight, as George Ivan Morrison has been given a knighthood in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.
In a list of 1,163 people, he features alongside the likes of Welsh rugby icon Gareth Edwards and comedian Lenny Henry. Kevin Spacey – who has served as artistic director of the Old Vic for the past decade – was awarded an honorary knighthood.
In a statement, 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.
"I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the fans who have supported me on my musical journey."