The Queen speaks . . .

The Queen of England has bestowed an honor – or, as the British spell it – honour on Steelers chairman Dan Rooney. He’s not getting knighted so he won’t be Sir Dan Rooney, but it’s a high honor anyway.

Here’s the announcement from the Queen’s Northern Ireland Office today:

SECRETARY OF STATE FOR NORTHERN IRELAND CONGRATULATES AMERICAN HONOURS RECIPIENTS

Mr. Daniel Rooney and Mr. John Fitzpatrick have been awarded honours by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth.

Daniel Rooney has been awarded an honorary CBE and John Fitzpatrick an honorary OBE in recognition of their exceptional contribution to peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland. Both men live and work in the United States.

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Shaun Woodward has described the awards for Daniel Rooney and John Fitzpatrick as a fitting recognition of the vital contribution to securing lasting peace in Northern Ireland.

He said: “Northern Ireland has made remarkable progress over the past decade.

“The fact that there has been such progress is down, in no small measure, to the considerable contribution made by Daniel and John in helping us to achieve a climate of understanding and a brighter future for all in Northern Ireland.

“Both men have been true friends to the people of Northern Ireland and loyal supporters of the peace process.

"I congratulate both men on receiving these awards which are richly deserved.”

Mr Rooney and Mr Fitzpatrick will receive their awards from British Ambassador Sir Nigel Sheinwald at investiture ceremonies in Washington in the near future.

British honours Commander of the British Empire (CBE) and Officer of the British Empire (OBE) are awarded on merit for exceptional achievement. The Order honours people for public service or other distinctions.

More information about the British honours system can be found here.