Simon Cowell has admitted for the first time that he would like to be honoured by the Queen, after years of being overlooked for a gong.
According to TheSun, Simon says his lack of recognition has seen him constantly mocked by OBE holders David walliams and Ant and Dec.
He reckons it is his turn to have his services to entertainment acknowledged by her Majesty.
Simon said: “I’ve got to be honest with you, it’s never been top of my list. But having seen the others get it, now I’ve started to think that I need at least an O, M or whatever it is. An S would be better (that would be a K, Simon).”
The Geordie duo were honoured with their OBEs for services to broadcasting and entertainment last January, while David received his in October.
But I can’t help wondering if Simon’s exclusion has anything to do with an interview he gave to US TV host Jay Leno in 2009, where he was less than complimentary about the royals.
Appearing on The Tonight Show, Simon claimed that he was “ignored” by the Queen and insulted by Prince Philip after the 2007 Royal Variety Show. He said: “If you are involved in it, you have to stand around for hours and then say hello.
“She ignored me and her husband called me a sponger. It was a bit embarrassing. It was awkward.”
A Buckingham Palace spokesperson later denied the claims, saying the Queen “never” ignores people and Prince Philip was “misheard”.
As well as missing out on an honour last year, Simon was also left smarting after co-star David was awarded Best Judge at the NTAs in January.
Asked about that on the night, Simon grimaced: “Ugh! I know what’s coming, it will be Alesha and Amanda (winning an NTA).
“I will literally be the only person without anything. It’s annoying, it really is, and they don’t let it go!”
