Arise, Sir Steve: Apple CEO almost gets knighted

by Steven Mostyn - Mar 3 2011, 10:17

Yet more Apple-flavoured news for you to masticate through today, this time emanating from over the pond in Britain, where rumours are circulating that CEO Steve Jobs recently made the shortlist for an honorary knighthood.

Citing an unnamed former Labour MP, a report in the Telegraph claims Jobs almost got a ‘Sir’ before his Christian name back in 2009, but was snubbed by then Prime Minister Gordon Brown after he refused to speak at a Party conference.

Although considered somewhat unusual for a non-British citizen to receive a knighthood, Jobs was apparently put forward for consideration by the unnamed Labour politician in light of significant contributions to the technology industry.

“Apple has been the only major global company to create stunning consumer products because it has always taken design as the key component of everything it has produced,” said the broadsheet’s source. “No other CEO has consistently shown such a commitment.”

While choosing to remain behind the veil of anonymity, the former Member of Parliament also said neither Apple nor Jobs knew of the proposed honour.

Just imagine: A quick shoulder tap with the royal sword and “Arise, Sir Steve”.

Now there’s an ego boost our favourite chief executive officer could have mercilessly taunted the likes of Steve Ballmer and Mark Zuckerberg... though not Bill Gates, who himself received an honorary knighthood in 2005.

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