Robbie Williams is reportedly being lined up for a New Year's Honour from King Charles, following a tax investigation that has been "green-flagged" by HMRC. The 52-year-old singer is said to be in line for recognition for his continued charity work with UNICEF and for founding Soccer Aid in 2006.
According to reports, Williams could be knighted by the King. The Stoke-on-Trent-born musician had previously been linked to investments in a £700 million tax-relief scheme, which HMRC deemed a tax-avoidance scheme. Williams was one of thousands of people connected to the firm Ingenious Media.
Tax Affairs Cleared
Speaking to The Sun, a source said: "Robbie's name has been put forward and if he gets anything it's likely to be a knighthood or possibly an OBE. He has raised hundreds of millions for charity, and this year was the 20th year of Soccer Aid, which was his idea. So his name has been put on the list by the charity and philanthropy committee after it was green-flagged."
The source added: "There are more hoops to get through, and it needs to go forward to the main honours committee and then the PM and ultimately the King." High-profile individuals are "checked and vetted" by the committee, and "one of those checks is their tax affairs, so it is a good sign for him that HMRC have given him the thumbs-up."
Williams had previously been barred from receiving an OBE due to his links to the tax scheme, according to reports.
Soccer Aid Success
Williams, who splits his time between the UK and his home in California, pays taxes in the United Kingdom. He and friend Jonathan Wilkes founded Soccer Aid two decades ago and have since raised over £137 million, with the money donated to UNICEF.
Last year alone, the event, held at London Stadium, raised £16.5 million. To celebrate the 20th anniversary, Williams performed his hit single "Feel" during the halftime show.
Over £1 million of the total amount was raised by Olly Murs, who cycled, rowed, and ran the 400km distance from Old Trafford to London Stadium. Tom Hiddleston revealed on air that Murs had raised £1,342,214. Before play began, Tom Hanks and Tim Allen delivered the football and revealed the event had already raised over £4.6 million. Allen delighted fans by saying his Toy Story character Buzz Lightyear's catchphrase: "To infinity and beyond!"
The Mirror has approached the Cabinet Office and a spokesperson for Williams for comment.
