The Queen knighted Captain Sir Tom Moore with George VI’s sword in a ceremony held outside for the first time to reduce the risk of spreading Covid-19.
The 100-year-old Second World War veteran was joined by his family as he was dubbed a knight in the unique ceremony in Windsor Castle’s quadrangle.
Her Majesty, who just arrived from her granddaughter Princess Beatrice’s wedding, spoke to the former Army officer and said: “A hundred is a great age,” to which Sir Tom Moore replied: “You’ve a long way to go yet.”
Only hours earlier, the Queen and other family members attended the wedding of Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi.
“My granddaughter got married this morning both Philip and I managed to get there – very nice,” the Queen said to Sir Tom and his family.
Her Majesty also praised him for raising £33 million for the NHS, saying: “Thank you so much, an amazing amount of money you raised.”
After the ceremony, the 100-year-old veteran said: “I am absolutely overawed, this is such a high award and to get it from Her Majesty as well – what more can anyone wish for? This has been an absolutely magnificent day for me.”
He added: “To meet the Queen was more than anyone could expect, never ever did I imagine I would get so close to the Queen and have such a kind message from her, that was really outstanding, it was truly outstanding.”
Sir Tom also thanked people for helping him raise money for the NHS.
“When you think that about four months ago I was just Tom Moore, now I’m Sir Tom Moore, no one could ever have believed that, in that time it would happen to me,” he expressed.
“I’ve been really honoured that this should happen and I’m thrilled that it did happen, and thank you everyone who subscribed to the fund – I really appreciate it and thank you all very much.”
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Replaced!