Blair, Craig join scientists, med chiefs on UK Honours List
London, Jan. 1: Scientists and medical chiefs who have led Britain’s response to the pandemic were awarded knighthoods Friday in the country’s annual New Year Honours List, which recognised the achievements of hundreds of people from James Bond star Daniel Craig to teenage tennis star Emma Raducanu.
Queen Elizabeth II also made former Prime Minister Tony Blair a Knight Companion of the Most Noble Order of the Garter, the oldest and most senior British order of chivalry.
In another year dominated by the Coronavirus pandemic, officials said almost one in five of the honors were for Coronavirusrelated service. Chris Whitty and Jonathan VanTam, England’s chief and deputy medical officers, were awarded knighthoods.
Jenny Harries, head of the UK Health Security Agency, and June Raine, chief executive of Britain’s medicines regulatory body, were made dames.
In total, the Honours List recognised more than 1,200 people in the UK this year, including scientists, actors, politicians, Olympic athletes and people who worked to raise funds for charities.
Craig, who made his final outing as 007 in the blockbuster No Time to Die, was made a Companion of the Order of St. Michael and St. George — the same honor given to the fictional Bond — for his services to film and theatre. described as holding it in the film franchise and the books by Ian Fleming.
In entertainment, veteran actress Vanessa Redgrave is to be made a dame, while former Spice Girl Melanie Brown, known as Mel B, was recognised for her work with domestic violence charity Women’s Aid. In sport, 19-year-old US Open champion Raducanu becomes an MBE, or a Member of the Order of the British Empire.
This year has been full of amazing surprises for me so to end 2021 with this appointment is very special, Raducanu said. Other athletes included Olympic champion cyclists Jason Kenny and his wife Laura, diver Tom Daley and swimmer Adam Peaty.
British monarchs have awarded honours as part of orders of chivalry since the Middle Ages.
In modern times, nominations are submitted to the government’s Cabinet Office and vetted by a committee before being passed on to the PM and the queen for approval.