Ricky Gervais has shared his ambivalent stance on receiving a knighthood, describing the honor as "irrelevant" in contemporary society. He voiced uncertainty about whether he would accept such an accolade if offered, stating that its significance has diminished over time.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Gervais remarked that while he might have accepted the honor if his mother were alive, he currently sees little personal value in it. "I don't know. If my mum was alive, I'd definitely do it. Would I do it now? Do I care? Does it matter? It doesn't matter," he said. He likened the concept of knighthoods to "tourism" and admitted he is neither a strong royalist nor an anti-royalist.
Despite his reservations, Gervais acknowledged a potential inclination to accept if offered, partly to avoid causing offense. "If someone offers me something, I don't want to insult them. Um, I really don't know. That's a really tricky one," he admitted. He also mused that he might accept it "to annoy people," finding the prospect of upsetting certain individuals amusing.
Gervais's comments on the knighthood follow recent revelations about his plans to marry his long-term partner, Jane Fallon. This decision, he explained, is primarily motivated by tax considerations, specifically to avoid inheritance tax.
For decades, Gervais has publicly questioned the purpose of marriage, even stating there is no reason to wed "before the eyes of God as there is no God." However, he confirmed to Saga Magazine that he intends to marry Fallon, the Sunday Times best-selling author, as doing so could prevent a substantial inheritance tax bill upon the death of one partner. Gervais, estimated to be worth approximately £141 million, noted the financial implications, stating, "It is [the reason]. And that will be the reason I marry."
He pointed out the unusual nature of their situation, having lived together for 40 years and sharing finances, questioning how much more married they could possibly be. "How more married can you be? We share all our money, we’ve been living together for 40 years. Some marriages don’t last a year,” he said.
Gervais also conceded the need to formalize their relationship sooner rather than later, adding, “It’s horrible isn’t it? ‘I’ve got to get around to marrying, before I die.’”
Unmarried couples do not automatically qualify for the spouse exemption, which allows estates to be passed to a surviving partner free of inheritance tax. Without marriage, estates can be subject to a 40 percent tax on the portion exceeding the tax-free threshold. This distinction is particularly relevant given Gervais's significant property portfolio, which includes a nine-bedroom mansion in London valued at £14.75 million, two New York apartments, and a riverside home in Marlow, Buckinghamshire.
Gervais and Fallon, both 65, met at University College London in 1982. Fallon has previously stated that she never fantasized about weddings or motherhood, focusing instead on her career and life.
Gervais has consistently maintained that their relationship functions as a marriage in all practical aspects, referring to their union as a "fake marriage" that has endured longer than many real ones.