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Harry Kane will soon be adding some very important letters after his name. Tottenham Hotspur and England have announced Harry Kane will become a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE), presented in a ceremony presided by Queen Elizabeth II, for “services to sport.” His England manager, Gareth Southgate, will receive a similar award, becoming an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) as part of the Queen’s New Year Honors.
Kane won the Golden Boot and captained England to the semifinals of the World Cup this past summer in Russia. The award honors British citizens who have performed extraordinary feats in their field.”
I'm very passionate about our country and very patriotic so to get an MBE makes me immensely proud. It has been a great year for club and country. It shows hard work pays off but I couldn't do it without the teammates, family & friends I've got around me. Thank you. #NYHonours pic.twitter.com/ek9giBw2ci
— Harry Kane (@HKane) December 28, 2018
Kane reacted on Twitter shortly after the announcement was made, and also spoke to Tottenham’s website about finding out about the honor:
We got a letter to the house, Kate [Kane’s partner] opened the letter… it was before the Southampton game. Normally we’d talk a little but she would never call me just before the match. I had a missed call and she text me “could you answer?”
I thought something was wrong! But Kate was excited and told me that we’d had a letter from the Queen saying we’d get an MBE. I’m proud for her as well and the whole family. It’s not just for me. We’re part of a journey together. It shows that the hard work has paid off.
No, this does not convey a knighthood upon Harry (we looked it up and we’re pretty sure Harry has to slay a dragon to earn that), but it does add the “MBE” title after his name which this site will be using with every use of his full name henceforth, and it is a huge honor. Other footballers who have earned an OBE include Frank Lampard, Ryan Giggs, Gary Lineker, David Beckham, and Alan Shearer.
This also means that Kane and Southgate will get to meet the Queen, which I’m given to understand is a pretty big deal. Pretty sure this also just the first step towards Kane eventually becoming Prime Minister.