Rock legend Roger Daltrey, the iconic frontman of The Who, has officially been invested as a Knight Bachelor by Prince William at a ceremony held at Windsor Castle. The 81-year-old musician, now formally known as Sir Roger, received the honor for his decades-long services to both music and charity. Daltrey was originally named in the King’s birthday honors list in June, but the investiture ceremony took place this week, marking the formal acceptance of the title.
Speaking to the press after the ceremony, an emotional Daltrey described the experience as a “dream” for a boy who grew up on the war-torn streets of London. “I was born in the Second World War,” he reflected. “For a kid like me, achieving this, it’s a dream.” He joins the ranks of other British rock royalty such as Sir Paul McCartney, Sir Mick Jagger, and Sir Elton John, cementing his status as a cultural pillar of the UK.
While Daltrey’s musical legacy with The Who is undeniable, he emphasized that this knighthood is a “double honor” because it also recognizes his tireless work with the Teenage Cancer Trust. For over two decades, Daltrey has been the driving force behind the charity’s annual concerts at the Royal Albert Hall, curating lineups that have raised more than £34 million to support specialized cancer units for young people.
In a characteristic display of humility, Daltrey stated he was accepting the knighthood on behalf of the unsung heroes of the charity—the medical staff and the young patients who may never receive such public accolades. “Without them, we never would have made the success we have made,” he noted. Although he stepped down as the primary curator of the concerts last year, passing the torch to younger artists like The Cure’s Robert Smith, Daltrey remains an honorary patron and a passionate advocate for the cause.
The ceremony at Windsor Castle was a moment of celebration for fans of classic rock, acknowledging a career that defined a generation. From the rebellious anthems of the 1960s to the halls of royalty, Sir Roger’s journey encapsulates the transformative power of rock and roll.
