"I am at a loss for words to describe how proud and happy I am to have been named a Commander of the British Empire in the Queen's New Year's Honours List. It is a great honor and I am very pleased. Really, I never dreamed this would happen, but I am delighted that it did."

(1/1/2009) Harry Benson, whose iconic photos of the Beatles have been printed in several books, was given the title CBE (Commander of the British Empire) in the annual New Year's honors, reports the BBC. He was honored "For services to photography, and to the community in the UK." Benson's photos also include historic pictures from the civil rights movement, every U.S. president since the '60s and many famous Hollywood celebrities. His website is here.

Also honored with a CBE was Led Zeppelin vocalist Robert Plant. (Let's see him turn down that Led Zep reunion tour now!).