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Britain honoured scientists and medical leaders at the forefront of the battle against the new coronavirus pandemic in Queen Elizabeth's annual list of honours, while actor Daniel Craig, who portrayed James Bond, was given the same accolade as the famous film character.
Craig, who left the role of the British spy after five films following the theatrical release of No Time to Die this year, was made a "Member of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG)" in recognition of his outstanding contribution to cinema.
James Bond also had the same distinction, meaning that Daniel Craig now has all the titles that the character he embodied carried. It should be noted that Craig has been an honorary commander in the Royal Navy since last September.
Major honours were also awarded to senior health officials in the fight against the new coronavirus pandemic. The heads of the health services in England, Scotland and Wales - Chris Witty, Gregor Smith and Frank Atherton - were knighted. The same title was also conferred on the deputy heads of England's health services, Jonathan Van Tam and Jenny Harris (named as a daemon).
The British government's scientific adviser Patrick Valance, who had already been knighted, received the title Knight Commander of The Order Of The Bath.
Other honours were given to scientists who pioneered the production of Covid-19 vaccines, including Rod McKenzie (Pfizer), Sean Marrett (BioNTech) and Melanie Iverson (Moderna).
Cyclist Jason Kenney, who won his seventh gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics, more than any other Briton, was also knighted. A similar accolade, that of demi, was awarded to his wife Laura, who is the country's most successful female athlete and the first to top the podium at three consecutive Olympics.
\NAmong the 78 Olympians and Paralympians included in this year's list were Adam Petey (swimming) and Tom Daly (diving), who became officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBE).
Tennis player Emma Raducanu, who surprised everyone with her triumph at the US Open, was another athlete to be awarded the title of Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).
Lyricist Bernie Topin, best known for his collaboration with Elton John on his 1997 cover of "Candle in the Wind", which the latter sang at the funeral of the late Princess Diana, was given the title of Commander in the Order of the British Empire (CBE).
Actresses Joanna Lumley and Vanessa Redgrave were honoured for their contribution to the 7th Art, as well as their charity work.
"Our honourees have inspired, entertained and given so much to society, both in the UK and around the world," said Prime Minister Boris Johnson."
Source: APM
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