Bono (file photo)

Irish rock star and anti-poverty activist Bono has been awarded an honorary British knighthood.

Britain's ambassador to Ireland, David Reddaway, Thursday, presented the award conferring on Bono the title of Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. The ceremonies were held in Dublin.

Bono, whose real name is Paul Hewson, was honored for his work fighting global poverty and for his contributions to the music industry.

Bono said he was particularly proud to receive the award because of the unprecedentedly warm relations between the Republic of Ireland and Britain, and because of the recent power-sharing deal just worked out between Protestant and Catholic forces in Northern Ireland.

Because he is not a British citizen, Bono is not permitted to use the title "Sir," even with the honor. He joked with reporters after the ceremony that they can instead call him "lord of lords or a demi-god."