Famed composer John Rutter has been awarded a knighthood as part of the King’s Birthday Honours. Born in London, Rutter attended Highgate School where his fellow pupils included John Tavener and Howard Shelley. As a chorister at Highgate, he sang on the original (1963) recording of Benjamin Britten's War Requiem. Sir Rutter moved up to Clare College, Cambridge where he formed the Cambridge Singers, becoming the director of music in 1975.

This is not the first time the composer has been recognised by the monarchy, having composed pieces for Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden and Platinum Jubilee, the wedding of Prince William to Kate Middleton and the coronation of King Charles III in 2023

Speaking on the honour, Rutter said ‘Music has given me a lifetime of joy and fulfilment but I never dreamed that one day it would bring me the honour of a knighthood. I'm deeply grateful.’