Overview
- Elba was named to King Charles' 2026 New Year Honours list with a knighthood for services to young people, citing campaigns against knife crime and for youth empowerment.
- On the red carpet, he joked about whether people should call him "sir" or curtsy and said he is "same old Idris."
- In an earlier statement, he dedicated the accolade to the young people whose resilience drives the Elba Hope Foundation's work.
- He and his wife, Sabrina Elba, co-founded the Elba Hope Foundation to support diaspora communities and expand opportunities for at-risk youth.
- This year's honours list includes 1,157 recipients, with ethnic minority representation reported at 14%, and names such as Cynthia Erivo, Ellie Goulding, Meera Syal and Richard Osman among those recognized.