Greatest Hits Radio's Ken Bruce receives MBE in King's Birthday Honours
It's in recognition of his services to radio, autism awareness and to charity
Last updated 17th Jun 2023
Greatest Hits Radio presenter Ken Bruce says he hopes being made an MBE will highlight the challenges facing autistic people following his son's diagnosis.
The 72-year-old Scottish broadcaster is among the people recognised in the King's Birthday Honours as he is appointed to the rank for his services to radio, autism awareness and to charity.
In a statement he said: "This is a great surprise and privilege.
"I hope it might help highlight the many difficulties autistic people face."
READ MORE: Greatest Hits Radio: Ken Bruce is in the house.
In 2009, Bruce released his autobiography Tracks Of My Years, speaking about his experience raising his autistic son Murray, who is non-verbal, with his third wife Kerith.
The radio DJ said it took three years before his son was diagnosed, writing in the Daily Mail: "It didn't come as a surprise. But I can't pretend it wasn't a blow.
"It was not easy to accept I had an autistic son. Some say that after such a diagnosis you have to grieve for your lost child. I don't like the terminology.
"Yes, you regret the lost opportunities and the changes it will mean to family life. I remember one of my early reactions was sadness that I wouldn't be able to tell him bad jokes and hear him laugh.
"But my child is not lost. He is simply different."
The Palace has said the radio DJ is being made an MBE for his services to raising awareness of autism as well as his work in radio and within charity.
After 31 years at the helm of Radio 2's mid-morning weekday slot, Bruce announced his move to Bauer Media to present a new mid-morning show on Greatest Hits Radio this year.
Who else is being recognised?
Scottish Labour's deputy leader Jackie Baillie is getting a damehood after representing Dumbarton as an MSP for the last 24 years.
The veteran politician receives the honour for political and public service and is understood to be the first sitting MSP at Holyrood to either be knighted or given a damehood - the female equivalent of the honour.
She told Greatest Hits Radio: "I am really humbled to be honoured in this way by the constituents I represent.
"I am delighted to accept, but I do have to say there are many people in my area who deserve to be honoured far more than me.
"Whether it is the NHS staff who cared for us during the pandemic or those who we know regularly give up their time to help others."