Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates is now a Honorary British Knight

World’s richest man and the Chairman of the world’s largest software company Bill Gates was bestowed an honorary knighthood by the Britain’s Queen Elizabeth on Wednesday. Gates told the media after receiving the honor that the title KBE (Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) had been awarded in recognition of his contributions to both business and charity.

The Queen also told Gates that she was not much of a computer buff. Bill told the reporters about his meeting with the Queen: “She said all the kids do (work on Computers) and they are very useful … but typing is not as natural for her as it is for young people”. He added about his contribution to Microsoft: “I’m very lucky to have been involved in Microsoft and obviously the resources I get from that are going to the foundation”.

The knighthood allows the recipient to use “KBE” after their name if they are not British. However, Bill Gates will not be allowed to use Sir before his name as UK recipients of the honor can. Bill Gates’ company Microsoft employs around 2000 people in Britain and Gates considers Microsoft’s deep connections with the United Kingdom as a major force behind this honor.

The award was notified on the advice of the British Government way back in January 2004. However, it could only be presented today. The honor has been historically bestowed on senior soldiers, judges and other servants of the state. However, recent times have seen celebrities like Paul McCartney, Mick Jagger, and Elton John receiving the knighthood.