EastEnders star Danny Dyer says royal recognition isn’t for him, citing anti-establishment beliefs and loyalty to Harold Pinter
Danny Dyer has no interest in royal honors — and says if King Charles ever offered him a knighthood, he’d politely decline.
The 47-year-old actor, widely recognized for his tough-guy role as Mick Carter in EastEnders, shared his views in a recent interview with Radio Times, stating, “It’s not for me.” His reason? A strong anti-establishment stance shaped in part by his admiration for the late playwright Harold Pinter.
“Harold was my hero and turned down a knighthood. He was anti-establishment as well, so I don’t think it’s for me,” Dyer said when asked if he’d ever been considered for the New Year’s Honors list.
Dyer’s connection to Pinter extends beyond admiration. The pair shared a meaningful stage history, with Dyer making his professional debut in Pinter’s Celebration at 22. He later starred in acclaimed productions such as No Man’s Land and The Homecoming.
While Pinter famously rejected a knighthood during John Major’s time in office in 1996, he later accepted the title in 2002.
In a playful aside, Dyer jokingly referred to himself as the “cheaper version” of actor Gary Oldman, who was recently knighted by King Charles.
“He wanted £2 million just to read it,” Dyer joked. “But I was next in line, which I’m chuffed with. If you go Gary Oldman and I’m next, it’s because I’m obviously cheaper. I’m happy to be a cheaper version of Gary Oldman.”
