O'Leary who presents a weekend breakfast show for BBC radio, as well as co-presenting the Friday edition of ITV show This Morning alongside Alison Hammond, received this accolade at this ceremony at London's Mansion Hotel yesterday (November 10).
The presenter received this honour for his charitable work and patronage of the charity the London Irish Centre. He was nominated for the award by Lord Mayor of the City of London Vincent Keavney.
The London Irish Centre provide advice, support and culture, along with community services to London's Irish community.
"Dermot is familiar to many millions of us, either, from watching him on TV or listening to his radio show but more than that, he is also a dedicated and much valued charity campaigner", Mayor Vincent Keaveney said.
"As the City's first Irish National Lord Mayor, I was particularly delighted to nominate Dermot for the Freedom of the City of London, which is one of our most ancient and proud traditions, and which he richly deserves", he added.
"I am genuinely honoured to receive the Freedom of the City of London", O'Leary said after receiving his award. "Anyone who knows me will know that two of my great loves are this wonderful city and my Irish heritage so, to receive the Freedom alongside my London Irish Centre friends makes it all the more special".
Speaking about his own Irish heritage, Dermot O'Leary added, "Countless Irish people, like my own parents, brought so much to this great city, so I would like to sincerely thank the Lord Mayor in honouring those experiences and contributions today, and I proudly and humbly accept this on their behalf".
Born in Colchester, Dermot O'Leary's parents emigrated from Ireland to the UK, and the ceremony was attended by family members, friends, representatives from the London Irish Centre.
Along with the mayor, O'Leary was also nominated for the award by Vince Dignam, court assistant of the Worshipful Company of Carmen.
"Through my membership of The Worshipful Company of Carmen and my links with the London Irish Centre, I was very pleased to join Lord Mayor Vincent Keaveny in nominating Dermot for the Freedom", Dignam said.
"His sterling support for the London Irish Centre is being recognised today in a unique way by the city, and I feel sure that he will always remember this special occasion".
