In a ceremony filled with pageantry at Buckingham Palace, Sadiq Khan — the son of a Pakistani immigrant and a product of a South London council estate — received a knighthood from King Charles.
For many, it was a moment of pride. For others, especially critics of his time as Mayor of London, the moment felt more like a controversy than a celebration.
The 53-year-old, now officially Sir Sadiq Khan, accepted the title for his political and public service.
But the response has been anything but unanimous.
“Chuffed” King Charles Hands Over the Honour in Person
The King personally awarded Sadiq Khan the knighthood — and according to Khan, the monarch was “very chuffed” to be the one to do it.
The two even shared a light-hearted exchange about who was the bigger workaholic.
“I’ve had the pleasure of working closely with the King,” Khan said, recalling their chat.
“He actually apologised for the delay in giving the award.
It wasn’t a problem at all — just lovely to finally have the moment.”
Sadiq’s Message: If I Can Do It, So Can You
After the ceremony, Khan took to Facebook to reflect on the journey from his upbringing in Tooting to the corridors of power.
“The London promise: if you work hard, and get a helping hand, you can achieve anything,” he wrote.
“Growing up on a council estate, I never could have imagined I’d be knighted while serving as the Mayor of London.”
He called it a “humbling moment” for both himself and his family — and hoped the story would serve as inspiration to others striving for something greater.
Tory MPs Call It a “Reward for Failure”
But not everyone’s cheering.
Conservative politicians have lashed out, saying the knighthood is out of touch with reality — and doesn’t reflect what they see as Khan’s track record.
Chris Philp, the Shadow Home Secretary and MP for Croydon, didn’t hold back:
“Just two days ago, volunteers were out scrubbing graffiti off tube carriages because Sadiq Khan’s team wasn’t doing it. And now he’s being knighted?”
Philp went on to slam the mayor for rising council tax rates — reportedly up over 70% — and for ongoing issues with knife crime and excessive red tape.
“In what world does this deserve a knighthood?” he added.
“This is a slap in the face to Londoners.”
Drug Policy Criticism and Policing Woes Add to the Fire
Critics didn’t stop at crime stats and taxes. There’s also growing discontent around Khan’s position on decriminalising cannabis.
Many feel it’s a distraction from pressing urban issues.
Philp said flatly: “The Mayor seems more focused on softening drug laws than on making London safer and more liveable.”
Khan hasn’t directly addressed the criticism, but his comments at the Palace focused on his ongoing commitment to building a “fairer, safer, greener and more prosperous” capital.
Emily Thornberry Also Honoured — And Had Butterflies
Khan wasn’t the only politician in the spotlight.
Emily Thornberry, Labour MP for Islington South and Finsbury, also received a top honour — a damehood for political and public service.
Though she’s known for her strong speeches and confident public presence, Thornberry admitted she was “fizzy with nerves” at the ceremony.
Wearing heirloom brooches that once belonged to her mother and grandmother, Thornberry reflected emotionally on how far her family had come:
“My grandmother had to quit her job at Lloyds Bank when she got married. She’d never believe this.”
No Cabinet Role for Thornberry — But Still Making Moves
Thornberry, now chair of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee, has been a fixture on Labour’s front bench over the years, serving as both shadow foreign secretary and shadow attorney general.
However, she was notably left out of Keir Starmer’s Cabinet picks when he entered Downing Street.
Instead, he gave the government’s top legal role to Lord Hermer, a close ally.
Still, Thornberry continues to have influence in Parliament through her committee work — and her damehood now cements her legacy further.
A Big Honour, A Big Debate
The knighthood of Sadiq Khan has undoubtedly marked a personal high in his political journey — but it’s also sparked a larger debate about legacy, accountability, and how success is really measured in public service.
To some, his recognition symbolises the dream of upward mobility.
To others, it feels disconnected from the everyday challenges Londoners face.
Regardless of the division, one thing is clear: this moment — and the conversation around it — isn’t going away anytime soon.