Ariana Grande has reportedly turned down an offer of Damehood, from The Queen, in a bid a bid to honour the hundreds of fans, who were affected by the Manchester Arena bomb attack. The 25-year-old was apparently offered the title of Damehood, in Queen Elizabeth II’s New Year’s Honours, after she visited victims of the Manchester Arena attack and organised a charity gig.
The ‘Thank U, Next’ singer was widely praised for her response to the 2017 attack, which saw her returning to Manchester to host a massive charity concert only a fortnight after the initial tragedy had occurred. Grande set up the One Love Manchester gig, just two weeks later, to raise cash for grieving families.
However, a source has claimed that the singer “politely” declined the offer of a Damehood, as a recognition of her efforts because she believes it’s “too soon.” Speaking to The Sun, an insider explained: “Ariana was flattered but said it was too soon. She explained she was still grieving. So were scores of families. She feared some affected might see it as insensitive. The committee wrote to her, but she politely said no.”
Another source, close to the singer, said: “She was deeply moved and honoured. She didn’t decline it as such but explained it was not the right time to accept.”
The initial concert, which took place in June 2017, saw a petition emerging for the singer to receive a Damehood, along with calls from prominent public figures. Writing on Twitter, the BBC’s, Jon Sopel said: “Dear Your Majesty, how about a Damehood for @ArianaGrande – in the birthday honours. She has been MAGNIFICENT”.
The news comes after Grande was made an honorary Manchester citizen, following the atrocity. The star also has a tattoo of a worker bee — a symbol of the city’s industrial past. She told how the ordeal left her with PTSD but said: “It’s hard to talk about because so many suffered severe, tremendous loss.”
The Honours Committee wanted to make her a Dame Commander of the British Empire — a gong that can be given to foreign nationals. Stars who will accept New Year gongs include Monty Python’s Michael Palin, 75 — made a Sir alongside cricket’s Alastair Cook, 34, and rugby’s Bill Beaumont, 66. Among other famous faces to turn down a title include writer Roald Dahl and painter LS Lowry. Meanwhile, Grande yesterday announced that she would be cancelling a show in Las Vegas after experiencing unspecified health issues.
