London, Jan. 3 (BNA): Britain honored the scientists and medical chiefs at the forefront of the fight against COVID-19 in its annual Queen Elizabeth New Year’s Awards list, while James Bond actor Daniel Craig took home the same award as the famous on-screen actor. Letter.
Craig, who dropped out of playing the fictional British spy after five rounds after the release of No Time to Die this year, was awarded a Companion to the Order of Saint Michael and Saint George (CMG) in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the film.
Bond was also a member of the CMG, so this honor means Craig has now been matched with all of his titles, having been named honorary captain of the Royal Navy in September.
According to Reuters, there was also a huge tribute to prominent officials and others involved in tackling the coronavirus pandemic.
The chief medical officers of England, Scotland and Wales – Chris Whitty, Gregor Smith and Frank Atherton – were awarded a knighthood. Deputy Medical Officers were also honoured in England, with Jonathan Van Tam knighted, and Ginny Harry awarded Lady.
Chief Scientific Adviser to the Government Patrick Vallance, who had previously been knighted, was appointed Knight of The Order of The Bath.
There were also awards for those involved in producing vaccines, including Pfizer’s chief development officer, Rod MacKenzie, Sean Marit, BioNTech’s chief business and commercial officer, and Melanie Ivarson, Moderna’s chief development officer.
Cyclist Jason Kenny, who won his seventh gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics, more than any other Briton, has also been knighted. His wife, Laura, who is the most successful Olympic athlete in the country and became the first to win gold in three consecutive tournaments, took the championship title.
Among the 78 Olympians and Paralympians on the list are gold-medal winning swimmer Adam Peaty and diver Tom Daley, who earned OBE awards.
Emma Radocano, who stunned the tennis world when she became the first qualifier to win a Grand Slam title by winning the US Open, was another sports personality to be honored with an MBE.
Songwriter Bernie Tobin, known for his collaborations with Elton John, including a paraphrase of “Candle in the Wind” that John sang at Princess Diana’s funeral, was awarded a CBE award in 1997.
There have also been fashion shows for veteran actresses Joanna Lumley and Vanessa Redgrave for their services in drama, entertainment and charities.
New Year’s decorations have been awarded since the reign of Queen Victoria in the 19th century and are intended to recognize not only famous personalities but also people who have contributed to national life through unknown deeds over many years.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “These beneficiaries have inspired, entertained and given so much to their communities in the UK or in many cases around the world.”
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