Queen's birthday honours list: Billy Connolly joins Paul McCartney, JK Rowling

London [UK], June 17 (ANI): Glasgow-based comedian Billy Connolly, known best for his anarchic comic timing is all set to be knighted in the Queen's birthday honours list. The comedian-cum-actor is being honoured for his contribution to the entertainment arena and social service, thus adding another accolade to his kitty of awards he earned throughout his career, reports The Guardian. In the past, Connolly has been the subject of mockery over his friendship with members of the royal family, including Prince Charles. However, he refused to end his friendship under any circumstances. In 2003 he was presented with a Bafta lifetime achievement award and a CBE in the Queen's birthday honours list, and in 2010 he was given the highest honour Glasgow could bestow upon him - the freedom of the city. Two years later, he was honoured with a lifetime achievement award by Bafta Scotland for six decades in showbusiness. Joining Connolly on the list are Sir Paul McCartney, who was knighted 20 years and will now become a companion of honour - an honour created in 1917 that can have no more than 65 members; along with the author JK Rowling. Veteran actor Olivia de Havilland, the only survivor of the four main stars of the 1939 blockbuster 'Gone With the Wind' is set to become a dame, along with actors Julie Walters and June Whitfield. Popular artists Ed Sheeran, who recently saw all 16 tracks from his new album take over the Top 20 chart, and Emeli Sande, who sang in both the opening and closing ceremonies at the 2012 Olympics, are both being awarded MBEs, along with the model Erin O'Connor. While Prime Minister Theresa May refused to glance through the list owing to the upcoming general elections, the list was forwarded to the Queen to her office. (ANI)