By Captain Sir Tom Moore knighted
Captain Sir Tom Moore has been knighted today in the Queen’s first official engagement in person since lockdown began in March.
He has been recognised for walking more than 100 laps of his garden, and for raising more than £32m for NHS charities.
The investiture to honour the 100-year-old took place today at Windsor Castle.
Captain Sir Tom Moore said it was “the most special of days for me. I am absolutely overawed,”
He added:
“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.
“The money [raised] is very useful but you’ve only one Queen and when you get a message from the Queen there’s no value that can be placed on that.”
The Queen personally praised Captain Sir Tom, telling him: “Thank you so much, an amazing amount of money you raised.”
Other Royal investitures have been postponed during the pandemic.
Captain Sir Tom Moore was joined at the ceremony by his family.
His daughter, Hannah Ingram-Moore said:
“It is just the most sensational day, of all of the things Tom’s been honoured by this is truly the icing on the cake.”
Captain Sir Tom Moore had initially set out to raise £1,000 for NHS charities by repeatedly walking an 82ft (25m) loop of his garden.
Eventually, he managed to raise £32,794,701.
In May, Prime Minister Boris Johnson nominated the war veteran to be knighted.
He was also given the honorary title of colonel on his 100th birthday as a mark of respect for his efforts both at home and during the war.
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