ultimate bravery recognised
THE policeman killed after confronting the Westminster attacker outside Parliament and the heroic passer-by stabbed trying to protect MP Jo Cox have been awarded medals for their bravery.
Oscar-winner Olivia de Havilland, who turns 101 next month, is the oldest woman to become a dame in this centenary year of the modern-day honours system.
Those honoured from the world of entertainment include comedian David Walliams, with the honours committee describing the list as the most diverse yet.
Police Constable Keith Palmer, who was stabbed to death in March, is posthumously awarded the George Medal for confronting an armed terrorist to protect others and Parliament.
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick said she and her colleagues were “immensely proud” of PC Palmer’s bravery.
She said: “Keith acted that day with no thought for his own safety, intent simply on doing his job and protecting members of the public and Parliament. He paid the ultimate price for his selfless actions.”
Briton Dominic Troulan, who was working as a security consultant in Kenya when terrorists attacked a shopping mall in 2013, is awarded the George Cross for saving lives during the massacre. Bernard Kenny, who was stabbed while trying to save Mrs Cox from her attacker, Thomas Mair, last June, receives the George Medal.
Two West Yorkshire Police officers, PC Craig Nicholls and PC Jonathan Wright, who arrested Mair, are awarded the Queen’s Gallantry Medal.
The late politician’s senior caseworker, Sandra Major, who witnessed the killing, receives an MBE for Parliamentary services and service to the community in Batley and Spen.
She is among more than 1,000 people recognised in the separate Queen’s Birthday Honours list, which is led by Sir Billy Connolly, Dame Julie Walters and Dame Olivia.
Sir Billy is knighted at the age of 74 in recognition of his services to entertainment and charity.
Bafta award winner Dame Julie, 67, and Gone With The Wind starlet Dame Olivia are both honoured for their services to drama.
Twenty years after he was knighted by the Queen, Sir Paul McCartney becomes a Companion of Honour. The same honour goes to Harry Potter author JK Rowling.
Founder of Virago publishing house Carmen Callil and veteran actor June Whitfield are made dames
Former SAS soldier and best-selling author Andy McNab becomes a CBE for services to literacy and charity.