Former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, founder of the eponymous financial information company, has been given an honorary knighthood in the UK.

Michael Bloomberg, 72, was knighted in honor of his “prodigious entrepreneurial and philanthropic endeavors”.

As an American citizen he cannot be called “Sir Mike”, but can add KBE (Knight Commander) to the end of his name.

Michael Bloomberg said he was “deeply honored”.

“[It] is especially meaningful to me because of my close personal, business and philanthropic ties to London and Britain, which stretch back four decades,” he added.

Michael Bloomberg was knighted in honor of his prodigious entrepreneurial and philanthropic endeavors

British ambassador to the US Sir Peter Westmacott, who announced the honorary award, said Michael Bloomberg had “played a key role in forging transatlantic diplomatic, economic and cultural ties”.

Peter Westmacott said he had made a “significant contribution” to British business life through Bloomberg, and his “considerable philanthropic endeavors in the arts and education is felt by Britons every day”.

During his time as New York Mayor, Michael Bloomberg renewed a tourism partnership between New York and London to boost travel between the two cities.

The British Embassy said Michael Bloomberg was also a “great supporter of the arts and education in the UK”.

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