Despite Bill Gates being knighted by the Queen in 2005, Steve Jobs was cockblocked in 2009 – and all because he refused to speak at a political conference.
The news has only just come out today, after a former Labour Party politician spilled the beans to The Telegraph, saying they tried to recruit him to speak at the party’s annual conference, but Jobs either wasn’t keen to align himself with a political party – a UK one at that – or just didn’t have the time to brown-nose with then-Prime Minister, Gordon Brown.
As a result, when Jobs was suggested for an honorary knighthood for services to technology and design, the UK government blocked the recommendation. The honour would’ve seen him down on his knees in front of Queen Elizabeth II, much the same as previously knighted Americans Steven Spielberg and George Bush Snr.
Even if Jobs had received his knighthood, he still wouldn’t have been called Sir Steve Jobs, as he does not hold British nationality. It does have a nice ring to it though, don’t you think? [The Telegraph]
ozoneocean
Tuesday, March 1, 2011 at 11:47 PMI see no problem with that at all! honours have always been about political favours as well as creating a stable of “honoured” people to show off, much the same as honorary qualifications at universities. If Jobs didn’t want to do what was required, then so be it. That’s how it works. I’m sure he didn’t lose any sleep over it.
Andrew
Wednesday, March 2, 2011 at 12:19 AMBill Gates: Actively donates $billions to charities and research into making the world a better place.
Steve Jobs: Actively canned all charitable practices from Apple’s books.
I’ve got a title he can wear.. and it applies reguardles of national ties.
wsDK_II
Wednesday, March 2, 2011 at 8:01 AMYea, i think that this sums up Steve Jobs and apple quite nicely – just to dam good for everyone else.
olearymo
Wednesday, March 2, 2011 at 11:57 AMIt’s his choice to not be charitable. I don’t agree with it, but I respect it.
Also… anyone get the feeling he might have just turned it down? I’d like to see that. That’d take some real Jobs style class.
Ollie
Wednesday, March 2, 2011 at 12:42 PM…class… don’t you mean ass.
Jeez, for giving a little bit of a chit chat to the pollies is so far below him.
olearymo
Wednesday, March 2, 2011 at 2:02 PMOh yes, he’s a first class ass. The guy is a complete jerk.
But it’s his right to do what he does.
I do admire that he doesn’t like to get involved in politics. More people in his position should stay OUT of their country’s politics.
Steve
Wednesday, March 2, 2011 at 7:13 PM“Spare me your empty little compliments, girl . . . and your ser’s. I am no knight. I spit on them and their vows.”