Ed Sheeran says receiving honorary degree is 'real privilege'
Singer Ed Sheeran will receive an Honorary Degree for his “outstanding contribution to music”.
Sheeran, 24, will receive the accolade in his home county at University Campus Suffolk.
Speaking about the degree, Sheeran – who left school at 16 to move to London where he used to busk – described the recognition as a “privilege”.
“I'm really grateful to University Campus Suffolk and I’m honoured to receive this Honorary Degree,” he said.
“I’ve had an amazing year with my world tour and this makes it even better. Suffolk is very much where I call home and I’m always welcomed back and get so much support.
“Receiving this recognition is a real privilege. UCS is at an exciting point in its development and I look forward to building links with UCS and its students in the months and years to come.”
Richard Lister, chief executive of UCS, said: "We are delighted to be able to welcome such a distinguished group of individuals as honorary graduates and fellows.
"The range of backgrounds and professions that are represented and the quality of those accepting the award will enhance both the graduation ceremonies themselves and the life of the university in the future."
Sheeran yestersay debuted his new tattoo - a giant lion across his chest.
Taking to Instagram to show his 4.5 million followers he wrote: "Halfway and ouch."
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-version="4"> <div> <div> <div> </div> </div> <a rel="nofollow" href="https://instagram.com/p/6PP_PYEpOo/" target="_blank" class="body-link" data-vars-item-name="BL-2487491-https://instagram.com/p/6PP_PYEpOo/" data-vars-event-id="c23">Halfway and ouch</a> A photo posted by @teddysphotos on <time datetime="2015-08-11T09:36:12+00:00">Aug 11, 2015 at 2:36am PDT</time> </div>
The inking has left some fans wondering if it is a tribute to Cecil the lion who was last month shot and killed in Africa.
