Mexico City.– British officials have mistakenly revealed the addresses of more than a thousand celebrities and distinguished figures who have received honors from Queen Elizabeth II, including Elton John, Olivia Newton-John, Roger Taylor (the Queen’s drummer), and Gary Lightbody (singer of the band Snow Patrol).
Those affected include many prominent politicians, diplomats, athletes, and even defense and public security agents, as well as Oscar-winning film directors, such as Sam Mendes (American Beauty) and Steve McQueen (12 Years a Slave).
The traditional 2020 New Year’s Honours List, which awards titles such as Knight or Dame of the British Empire, included the full addresses, number and postcode of the recipients, and remained posted on the official government website for more than an hour on Friday night, with no known number of times it had been downloaded by users.
The information has been removed as quickly as possible. We apologize to everyone involved, and we are investigating how this happened.
A Cabinet Office spokesperson said: “We have reported the incident to the Information Committee Offices (ICO) and are liaising with all those affected directly.”
Last May, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) increased the penalties that regulators like ICOs can impose for such violations.
The British, who are elected twice a year (at Christmas and in June, on Queen Elizabeth’s birthday), are known for their merit, service and courage.
Elton John, who already held the titles of Sir and OBE, has now added the Companion of Honour.
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