Dermot O’Leary was bestowed the freedom of the City of London by the Lord Mayor in a ceremony in the capital on Tuesday.
Joined by proud wife Dee Koppang, the 49-year-old broadcaster revealed he had “a little bit of tears in his eyes” as he was honored for his charitable work with the London Irish Centre.
Dermot’s parents, Séan and Maria, immigrated to the UK from Wexford before he was born, and he said he humbly accepted the award on behalf of all Irish immigrants.
Proud: Dermot O’Leary was bestowed the freedom of the City of London in a ceremony in the capital on Tuesday by the Lord Mayor (LR) Lord Mayor Vincent Keaveny, Dermot and his wife Dee Koppang
He went on to tell attendees that his two great loves are “this city.” [London] and my Irish heritage”.
The This Morning host, who shares a son with his wife, cut a dapper figure for the occasion in a navy suit, layered over a crisp white shirt and completed with a dark tie.
Meanwhile, Dee looked chic in a long brown coat, which she paired with a black polar-collared jumper.
Tears: Joined by proud wife Dee Koppang, the broadcaster revealed he left “a little bit of tears” when he was honored for his charity work with the London Irish Centre
Can’t believe it: The This Morning host – who shares a son with his wife – cut a dapper figure in a navy suit for the occasion
After the award, Dermot said: “I am truly honored to be given the freedom of the City of London”.
“Anyone who knows me will know that two of my great loves are this beautiful city and my Irish heritage, so to receive Freedom alongside my friends from the London Irish Center is all the more special.”
“Countless Irish people have brought as much to this great city as my own parents did, so I sincerely thank the Lord Mayor for recognizing those experiences and contributions today, and I proudly and humbly accept it on their behalf.”
Proud parents: Dermot’s parents Séan and Maria (right) emigrated to the UK from Wexford before he was born and he said he humbly accepted the award on behalf of all Irish immigrants (pictured this morning)
Proud: After the honour, Dermot said: “I’m really honored to be given the freedom of the City of London.”
Dermot is Patron of a Camden based charity providing advice, support, culture and community service to the Irish community in London.
Taking to Instagram, the presenter shared a slew of behind-the-scenes fun, saying he’s “standing on the shoulders of giants.”
He wrote: “humbled to have received the liberty of the City of London today from the man himself, Vincent Keaveny”.
“Truly privileged and felt a (tiny) bit weepy to be a patron of the @londonirishcentre. Thank you to my dear friend @garydunneinsta.”
Dude: Taking to Instagram, the presenter shared a slew of behind-the-scenes fun and said he’s “standing on the shoulders of giants”.
Humbled: He wrote: ‘humbled to have been given the freedom of the City of London today by the man himself, Vincent Keaveny’
“They are doing an incredible job. Keep the fires burning and the drawbridge below. I stand on the shoulders of giants. Bring me my sheep now.
Dermot was nominated for the City of London’s liberty by Lord Mayor of the City of London Vincent Keaveny and Worshipful Company of Carmen member and clerk Vince Dignam.
Lord Mayor Vincent Keaveny said: “Dermot is known to many millions of us from either television or his radio show, but he is also a dedicated and well-respected charitable campaigner.
“As the City’s first Irish Lord Mayor, I was particularly pleased to nominate Dermot for the liberty of the City of London, which is one of our oldest and proudest traditions and one that he well deserved.”
While Dignam added: “Through my membership of The Worshipful Company of Carmen and my connections with the London Irish Centre, I was delighted to support Lord Mayor Vincent Keaveny in nominating Dermot for liberty.
Honour: Dermot is Patron of the Camden-based charity which provides advice, support, culture and community services to the Irish community in London