Arise Sir Stephen! Fry wants knighthood to represent 'sign of hope' for others
Actor, author and screenwriter Stephen Fry received a knighthood from King Charles III at Windsor Castle in his own inimitable style, as he paired comfy trainers with his morning suit.
Fry, 67, who was raised in Norfolk and educated in Cambridge, was honoured for his services to charity, mental health awareness, and the environment.
Sir Stephen, who has spoken openly about his struggles of having bi-polar disorder over the years, said he hoped his knighthood could show those suffering from mental health problems that "there's always hope".
After receiving the title from the King, Sir Stephen shared what was said at the ceremony.
"It was a warm and wonderful conversation. The King was very kind to me; he suggested I deserved this honour which is a rather wonderful thing to hear."
Fry said he felt "startled and enchanted" after receiving the honour, insisting it came "out of the blue".
The former QI host has been vice-president of the conservation charity Fauna and Flora International since 2009 and president of the charity Mind since 2011.
The broadcaster has also worked with the HIV and Aids charity The Terence Higgins Trust for over three decades.
When asked which of the three strands he was most proud of, he joked: "Well, obviously I'd hoped they'd mention my contribution to showbusiness.
"I thought my performance in Spice World: The Movie would have been the thing to really push me towards the knighthood, but it turns out not."
Sir Stephen said he was pleased that the various charities he was involved with would also benefit from his honour.
"It's something the Royal family have involved themselves in - the conversation about mental health - and how important it is for us all to feel secure about seeking help for our mental health," he said.
"We all know, frankly there is an epidemic of self-harm among children and while children feel the need to hurt themselves physically in order to get rid of the pain in their heads, then we really should address this."
Fry was accompanied at the Royal residence by his husband Elliot Spencer, 30 years his junior, whom he married in 2015.
After growing up in Booton, near Reepham in Norfolk, Sir Stephen went on to attend Cambridge University where he met Hugh Laurie, with whom he went on to form a successful writing and performing partnership.
He has found fame with young readers in recent years after becoming a hugely successful children's author and audiobook narrator.
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