Paul McCartney Knighthood: Beatles Singer Was Knighted On March 11, 1997

March 11 marks the 16th anniversary of Paul McCartney receiving his knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II. McCartney was knighted for his "services to music." The ceremony took place at London's Buckingham Palace, and McCartney dedicated the honor to his Beatles bandmates.

"Proud to be British, wonderful day and it's a long way from a little terrace [street] in Liverpool," McCartney told reporters at the time.

Before he became Sir Paul McCartney, the rocker was given the honor of MBE (Member of the British Empire) in 1965, with his fellow Beatles bandmates.

McCartney's knighthood has recently come under fire from fellow British singer, Morrissey. Both staunch animal rights activists, McCartney and Morrissey reportedly both attempted to make Los Angeles' Staples Center a meat-free venue for recent performances, but only Morrissey was successful. Morrissey spoke to THR, saying he was "amused to hear" that McCartney was angry that he had been denied while Morrissey was allowed.

He then went on to criticize McCartney for keeping his knighthood, saying, "I know he works tirelessly for the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals [PETA], but he also loves the British royals, whose treatment of animals is abysmal. The Queen herself wears enough fur to blanket most of Russia. He also once sang 'Give Ireland back to the Irish,' which was directed at the Queen. Well, she refused, and she still refuses, yet Sir Paul gives her the thumbs up! If he cared passionately about animals, he'd return his knighthood. He doesn't need the Queen's approval. He's given more pleasure to people worldwide than she could ever dream of."