Idris Elba Officially Becomes Sir, King Charles Gives Knight's Title in Windsor

JAKARTA - Idris Elba is now officially entitled to the title of Sir. The 53-year-old actor, musician, and activist received the title of knight from King Charles in an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle, June 2.

According to a report by People quoted Wednesday, June 3, Elba received the title for his service to young people. King Charles led the ceremony directly by putting a sword on Elba's shoulder as the Hijack star knelt.

The moment was then uploaded on the official Instagram account of the royal family.

"Congratulations to all the award recipients at today's investiture ceremony, led by the King at Windsor Castle," the palace wrote.

Elba also shared the moment on Instagram Stories. In another photo, he was seen wearing a medal and holding hands with his wife, Sabrina Elba, in the Windsor Castle area.

"We are grateful. The work continues," the star of The Wire wrote.

Elba's knighthood was previously announced in King Charles' 2026 New Year's Honours list. In the British royal tradition, the award is only official after it is given in an investiture ceremony.

The investiture ceremony is an official ceremony for the award of royal titles or awards. King Charles, Princess Anne, and Prince William are members of the royal family who usually lead this kind of event.

Elba is not only known from the film and television screen. He is also a Goodwill Ambassador for The King's Trust, a royal charity that helps vulnerable young people gain skills and employment opportunities.

Elba's relationship with the institution is quite personal. He once received a grant from The King's Trust when he was 18 years old. The aid is said to have paved the way for his career in the arts.

In an interview with People in January, Elba admitted that this award was still difficult for him to digest.

"I haven't talked about it much, but it's really an honor to have my work recognized," Elba said.

He said the award was important because it was related to his efforts to voice the problems faced by young people.

In addition to The King's Trust, Elba and Sabrina also founded the Elba Hope Foundation in 2022. The foundation supports the diaspora community and opens more opportunities for them.

Elba and King Charles' relationship also came under scrutiny when the two were behind the DJ table at a garden party at Buckingham Palace, London, on May 14. The event was held to celebrate 50 years of The King's Trust.

Elba then told a story, one of the DJs who performed was a participant in the Elba Hope and The King's Trust program. He was trained directly by Elba.

"King Charles came, and he wanted to do a back-to-back, so he came," Elba told People.

Back-to-back in the DJ world means two DJs perform in turns or together in one music set.

Elba joked that the experience was "fine". But he then corrected himself and called performing with King an "incredible" experience.

The King's Trust has helped more than a million young people since it was founded by Charles in 1976, when he was still the Prince of Wales and the institution was called The Prince's Trust.