Thousands join online campaign calling for George Michael to get a posthumous knighthood in Queen’s new year’s honours list
The petition says he deserves the honour for his "combined contribution towards music and his unwavering support for many of the charities he generously supported throughout his life"
A PETITION calling for George Michael to receive a posthumous knighthood has gained more than 18,000 supporters in three days.
Darren Smith started the call for the honour after George died on Christmas Day from suspected heart failure.
It was reported he had dreamed of starting a family in just a few months time, as his death caused an outpouring of grief from fans of his music.
Now fans of the Careless Whisper singer are calling for him to become Sir George.
The online petition argues: "George Michael deserves a posthumous knighthood for his combined contribution towards music and his unwavering support for many of the charities that he generously supported throughout his life.
"Arguably Great Britain's most celebrated artist, he touched many lives and was a huge ambassador with generous contributions and giving much of his time in supporting Macmillan Cancer Support, Children in need, The Princes Trust, Terence Higgins Trust and Famine relief.
"These are just a few the causes that have come to light in the wake of his untimely passing. He was also a staunch supporter for LGBT causes."
Currently posthumous knighthoods are not awarded.
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Previous petitions for other deceased stars to be given knighthoods have been unsuccessful, as campaigners have argued for footballers Bobby Moore and Brian Clough to be made Sirs.
The petition to award a posthumous knighthood to Bobby Moore was rejected by Parliament, but the suggestion was made a petition to reform the honours system so knighthoods could be awarded posthumously could have been accepted.
A large collection of flowers, candles and tributes have been growing outside George's home in Oxfordshire - where the star was found dead at the age of 53.
The Wham! singer had a successful solo career and sold more than 100 million records worldwide.
His boyfriend, Fadi Fawaz, 43, shared the late singer’s unpublished song This Kind of Love with grieving fans as part of a tribute to George — leading many to call for the song to be officially released.
In a statement, , saying: "It is with great sadness that we can confirm our beloved son, brother and friend George passed away peacefully at home over the Christmas period.
"The family would ask that their privacy be respected at this difficult and emotional time.
"There will be no further comment at this stage."
Friends of the family say hairdresser Melanie, 55, is set to receive up to £50million following the pop star’s death on Christmas Day.
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