Sir David Attenborough to be given second knighthood for services to television and conservation

Entertainment

Sir David Attenborough is to be given a second knighthood for services to television broadcasting and conservation.

Sir David was first knighted by the Queen in 1985 but is now being appointed a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael And St George – a higher accolade – in a nod to his documentaries about the natural world and his campaigning to save it.

The Prince of Wales, himself a committed environmentalist, is expected to bestow the honour on the 96-year-old national treasure at an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle.

Queen’s Birthday Honours list: Famous faces include Rio Ferdinand, Damian Lewis and Stella McCartney

The beloved broadcaster, who is the same age as the Queen, was featured in a segment of the Platinum Party at the Palace outside Buckingham Palace during the Jubilee weekend.

The Duke of Cambridge highlighted the efforts of “visionary environmentalists” during this section of the show, which saw a clip of Sir David projected onto Buckingham Palace.

Prince William also spoke about the pride he felt for “my grandfather and my father”, the Duke of Edinburgh and Charles, who have championed the natural world.

More on David Attenborough

The latest honour comes as Sir David was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, joining Pope Francis and the World Health Organisation on the list of this year’s candidates.

Sir David was first knighted by the Queen in 1985 (pictured with wife Jane and daughter Susan)
Image:
Sir David was first knighted by the Queen in 1985 (pictured with wife Jane and daughter Susan)

Gary Lightbody, the lead singer of rock band Snow Patrol, is also due collect his OBE for services to music and to charity in Northern Ireland.

Spy chief Sir Jeremy Fleming, director of GCHQ, is expected to receive his knighthood after he was made Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George for services to foreign, Commonwealth and diplomatic services.

Professor Sir Andrew Pollard, director of the Oxford Vaccine Group, is expected to be knighted for services to public health, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic while actor Toby Jones is due to collect his OBE for services to drama.

Olympic and Paralympic gold medallists are also set to be honoured, including curling captain Eve Muirhead, swimmer Hannah Russell, boccia player David Smith and cyclist Jaco van Gass.

Products You May Like

Articles You May Like

‘Sorry’ seems to be the hardest word for New Orleans authorities
Victims of grooming gangs can have national inquiry if they want one, Jess Phillips says
Film star helps firefighters battle LA wildfire sweeping exclusive hillside dotted with celebrity homes
Demi Moore’s popcorn speech, and A-list put-downs – Golden Globes key moments
Here are the best electric bikes you can buy at every price level in January 2025

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *