Mr. Grayson Perry! Artist is knighted for services to the arts
call me sir! Artist Grayson Perry shares a joke with the Prince of Wales when he is knighted at Windsor Castle for services to the arts
Artist Grayson Perry was knighted by the Prince of Wales at the inauguration today for services to the arts.
The 63-year-old artist, writer and broadcaster, who is known for his tapestries, ceramic works and cross-dressing, was made a Knight Bachelor in the New Year Honors list.
Under the watchful eye of his wife, psychotherapist Philippa Perry, the performer looked thrilled to be at Windsor Castle for the ceremony, where he was honored by Prince William.
Perry, who calls his dressy alter ego Claire, opted for a bo-peep-style red chiffon dress with a matching mini straw booter and black patent leather shoes for the occasion.
Artist, writer and broadcaster Grayson Perry has been made a Knight Bachelor for services to the arts on the New Year Honors list – and was given the honor today at Windsor Castle
After learning about his award earlier this year, Perry told the Radio Times that his knighthood outfit would not outshine other potential awards on that day.
‘I have an intuition regarding the language of clothing, by which I mean to say that I am quite knowledgeable. There’s a limit, I wouldn’t dress up as a clown,’ said Sir Grayson.
The artist has said he will only refer to himself as ‘Sir Grayson’ as a joke when talking to friends.
He explained to Lorraine that he had briefly debated whether to accept the honor, saying, “I always turn things down.” It’s the nature of success,” says Perry.
But daughter Flo encouraged him. Perry’s wife Philippa said, “We asked our daughter and she said, ‘Don’t be silly.'”
As his wife Phillipa Perry (background, second from left) watched, Sir Grayson Perry received his knighthood at Windsor Castle today at investiture
Perry chose a burgundy bo-peep style dress for the occasion, with a straw hat to match
Perry previously received his CBE from King Charles in 2014 in a midnight blue dress and coat, heels and a fabulously over-the-top black hat.
The Turner Prize winner became the first male transvestite to collect a gong in a dress. Perry once described alter ego Claire as “a cross between Katie Boyle and Camilla Parker-Bowles.”
Also in Windsor today was GMB broadcaster Kate Garraway, who was awarded an MBE in the New Year Honors for her services to broadcasting, journalism and charity.
Take a bow: Perry kneels on the ceremonial stool as Prince William touches his shoulder with the sword of honor
As his wife Phillipa Perry (background, second from left) watched, Perry received his knighthood at Windsor Castle today at investiture
Perry said earlier this year that he will only use Sir Grayson as a joke with close friends
A Bow to the Prince: Perry pictured on the lawns outside Windsor Castle
Reacting to the news that she had been awarded the royal honor, the 56-year-old said on Good Morning Britain in January: “I’m actually really uncomfortable about all this, I don’t know why, because I’m thrilled to pieces and incredibly honored .’
She added, “But you just think, ‘What? Me?’ And then you think it’s not real.’
Former Real Madrid and Tottenham footballer Gareth Bale will also receive an MBE, along with fellow footballers Andrew Robertson and Jennifer Beattie for their services to the sport, as well as Robertson’s work with charity and youth.
Premier League winner Robertson, 29, founded AR26, a charity set up to help vulnerable young people with their mental and physical health in 2020.