Michael Palin and Philip Pullman Will be Knighted, Good Sirs

Forty-three years after leading the Knights Who Say NI!, Monty PythonOpens in a new tab stalwart Michael PalinOpens in a new tab is going to receive an honest-to-goodness real knighthood. Via the official Monty Python websiteOpens in a new tab, he is quoted as saying he would “just have a quiet celebration, just myself and a glass of Horlicks and then go to bed.” We’d suggest a mug rather than a glass, since Horlicks is usually served very hot, but that Sir Palin likes to do things eccentrically.Palin’s induction doesn’t necessarily mean the rest of the Pythons are likely to follow, as the knighthood is being granted not for contributions to irreverent comedy, but rather “for services to travel, culture and geography,” as he has hosted travel shows for some years now. We suspect that’s a technicality and the Queen secretly likes the Pythons’ humor, but who can say for sure?

Also being knighted: Philip PullmanOpens in a new tab, best known for the His Dark MaterialsOpens in a new tab trilogy of fantasy novels that are scheduled to be adapted by the BBC. Given that his books have a decidedly and definitely anti-religion point of view, and the Queen is the head of the church, we sense a slightly rebellious theme in this year’s choices. Actress and model Twiggy will receive Damehood, the female equivalent of knighthood, for her work in the arts, fashion, and charity. Other familiar names receiving lesser honors include The Handmaid’s TaleOpens in a new tab author Margaret Atwood (Companion of Honor), and actresses Thandie Newton (OBE) and Sophie Okonedo (CBE).You can see the full list of honorees hereOpens in a new tab.

Image: Sony Picture Home Entertainment