The 30 ultimate gentlemen of 2016

We’ve taken on the unenviable, although entirely necessary task of selecting the 30 men around the world who most embody the various qualities of the modern gentleman. With many honourable mentions who just missed the cut going to Sir Michael Gambon, Christopher Walken and Patrick Stewart. Here are the ultimate gentlemen of 2016:

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A soothing voice that’s arguably the most recognisable on our fair isles and the soundtrack to innumerable breathtaking documentaries. His appreciation and unyielding love for the wonders of our planet, in conjunction with a genteel nature and iconic standing, make him a real national treasure and above all, a real gentleman.

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Possibly the most impressive transformation of any man alive. Goldenballs has gone from blonde mohawks, sarongs and all leather getups to the epitome of a genuine gentleman. Few men wear a suit better, he no longer courts the controversy that harangued him in the past and he holds an unwaveringly wicked devotion to his family.

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We can’t think of a singular way to describe the man who’s level of knowledge is seemingly boundless. Beyond talented

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Between the accent, the style and the charm, the original Alfie is the pin-up for gentlemen around the world. His list of roles is as varied as they are esteemed, for every Italian Job there’s a Batman and he’s played each with certified aplomb; a double Oscar winner and a war vet to boot.

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A racing great, up there with any man to get behind a wheel. He retired near 5 years ago, at the ripe age of 81 and 7 decades on the track, but his presence is still wildly anticipated at Goodwood each and every year. His quotables are almost as impressive as his plus 200 victories.

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The British princes naturally make the list. Despite some blemishes in the media during their younger days, particularly Charles and Harry, all have flourished into perfect gentlemen – well mannered, well dressed and philanthropic; we’d wager our houses that George will follow suit.

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Mr Bond’s first job was as a knitwear model, prior to being cast as Maverick. His work as Ian Fleming’s longest standing Bond of 12 years has quite rightly earned him the people’s vote. Having been much impressed by Audrey Hepburn, he now dedicates his time to supporting UNICEF.

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He gave us Mr Darcy in the lake, an iconic moment of British resilience and charm. He continues to capture the nation’s heart at Christmas and is increasingly active in his support for charitable causes. As an actor and in person, he is a gentleman of many remarkable traits.

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A truly refined, Oscar-winning actor and symbol of elegance, for many he epitomises the quintessential gentleman and is at the fore of a new generation of English theatrical talent breaking ground on both sides of the Atlantic.

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The personification of calm, cool and collected. Rarely is he anything but unflappable on and off the court. A tennis legend who will likely go down as the greatest in the sport’s history when he finally hangs up his racket, yet his dedication to his family is equally as admirable.

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Standing among the upper echelons of the acting world, the former trainee fighter pilot is a celluloid great. His authoritative voice, diversity of roles, acting range and activism mean he makes this list with relative ease.

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The definition of an entrepreneur and self-made man, the billionaire founder of Virgin Group has his fingers in over 400 companies having launched his business career at the tender age of 16, with the magazine Student. Overcoming the adversity of dyslexia, he makes no apologies for enjoying his well-earned riches, nor should he, but remains a committed philanthropist also.

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Silver screen royalty, man of style and subject of many an iconic photograph. Cigar in mouth, sunglasses shielding eyes and suit tailored to perfection, few men have as much of a handle on the concept of cool as Mr Nicholson – a gentleman who’s influence has spanned many a decade.

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One of the most recognised and celebrated actors of modern times and a crucial LGBT figure who has been a spearhead for equality at home and abroad. His efforts have been recognised on all fronts, from Laurence Olivier Awards, a Tony and various honours from the Queen herself.

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Dubbed the “nicest man in Hollywood”, the generous star is as engaging off screen as he is during his very storied day job. Warm, patient and as talented as they come, an American gentleman of the highest order.

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Taking on mammoth roles such as a portrayal of Nelson Mandela in the 2013 biopic Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, and his lead in last year’s Beasts of No Nation show the measure of the man. Not only is he one of the coolest men to walk the red carpet at the moment, but he’s not afraid to speak up in favour of further diversity within the entertainment industry.

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Carrying many a mark of the modern gentleman: wit, charm, humour, rakish and uniformed approach to style – few men are as devoted to the classic navy lounge suit as he. The star of stage and film is one of the last remaining ideals of an English gent.

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One of the last remaining gentleman on the grid, although possibly not for much longer as he’s, by all accounts, eyeing retirement sooner rather than later. Beloved by competitors, team and fans, none of whom have a bad word to say about him, when the time comes for him to exit the cockpit he’ll be sorely missed behind the wheel, for both his personality and ability.

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Our Winter 2015 cover star and James Bond incumbent has brought a distinctly modern feel to Ian Fleming’s creation and taken the famed franchise to new heights since he debuted in Casino Royale a decade ago. Dashing, masculine and not afraid to get his hands dirty when needs be, he is the definition of a modern gentleman.

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He’s one of Hollywood’s most loved and most meme’d characters. For many, Leo can do no wrong. A career in front of the camera that’s lasted over 20 years and counting and provided more than enough magic to have netted that elusive Academy Award by now, he’s dated some of the most beautiful women in the world and remains a committed environmentalist.

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He may have spent plenty of time playing the antagonists, psychotic and crazed on screen, but off-camera the two-time Academy Award winner is as polite, charming and well mannered as they come.

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The man who refuses to slow down. The explorer’s achievement list is truly astounding, including being the first to reach both Poles, the first to cross Antarctic and Arctic Ocean, and the first to circumnavigate the world along its polar axis. Last year, aged 71, he completed the Marathon des Sables – 156 miles over 6 days in the blistering 50°C heat of the Saharan Desert.

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Regarded by a host of critics, commentators and contemporaries as one of the greatest actors of all time. A method actor and master of his craft, his performance as Corleone in The Godfather particularly stands-out as consigned to the pantheon of wondrous on-screen portrayals.

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The first African-American POTUS, his 8-year tenure will go down in history not only for the social barriers he broke down, but for his political achievements also – despite how stunted he has been through a divided upper and lower house.

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One of the biggest, most successful and respected names in music, he, along with his husband David Furnish, has campaigned relentlessly for the prevention and treatment of AIDS and HIV with the formation of the Elton John AIDS Foundation in 1992. He’s also a tireless force in the fight for LGBT rights around the world.

(Photograph: Dylan Don // Featured on our Jan.Feb cover, watch the behind the scenes video here)

Our Jan/Feb cover star and one of the finest actors of his generation at the peak of his powers. He’s played many a gentleman on screen and on stage and evidently channels those performances from his personal life; a gentleman on every level.

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The modest No. 10, who led England to World Cup victory in 2003, made such an impact at Toulon that he bowed out of the game to a rendition of God Save the Queen and to this day strives to put as much back into the sport of rugby as he took from it.

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The Italian king of cashmere, the silent billionaire. Brunello Cucinelli is marked as one of the nicest men in fashion and has spent decades devoted to restoring a 14th-century hamlet in the Perugian hills to house his workers. Not only one of the sharpest dressed men in the world, his humanitarian efforts are colossal, donating 20% of his company’s profits to charitable causes through his own foundation.

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One of the most successful designers and entrepreneurs of all time, he’s successfully cultivated the modern definition of archetypal gentlemanly style through his eponymous label. A philanthropist and noted car collector also, his taste is undeniable and he possesses unrivalled style.

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The most influential and recognisable frontman in rock & roll history. Despite noted drug abuse and illicit affairs during his formative years, he’s grown into a genuine and distinctive gentleman who continues to entertain into his seventh decade.

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