British-Pakistani politician Sadiq Khan has made history as the first Mayor of London to be awarded a knighthood.
He was officially knighted by King Charles during a ceremonial event at Buckingham Palace. Images shared on Khan’s Facebook page captured the moment he knelt before the King to be dubbed with a sword, in keeping with tradition.
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Sir Sadiq was recently re-elected for a third term as Mayor in May 2024.
In a heartfelt message on social media, he expressed his gratitude for the honour.
“The London promise: if you work hard and receive the right support, you can achieve anything,” he wrote.
Khan reflected on his humble beginnings, saying, “Growing up on a council estate in Tooting, I never imagined I’d one day be knighted while serving as London’s Mayor. This is a deeply humbling experience for me and my family, and I hope it inspires others to see the possibilities this great city holds.”
He concluded by reaffirming his dedication to public service: “It’s an honour to serve the city I love, and I will continue striving to create a fairer, safer, greener, and more prosperous London for all.”
