He is no longer James Bond but, thanks to a wish from Queen Elizabeth, a great fan of his, from now on Daniel Craig can also say that he shares with 007 the Order of St Michael and St George, presented to him yesterday by Princess Anne.
Appointment at Windsor Castle with Princess Anne for Daniel Craig who yesterday, after a long wait due to the Platinum Jubilee celebrations and then for the passing of Queen Elizabeth, finally received the Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George, the same honour that the James Bond character holds.
Princess Anne welcomes James Bond to court
It was Queen Elizabeth who wanted to bestow the important honour on Daniel Craig, who just couldn't say no to him. With him, the sovereign had starred in an acclaimed skit at the opening ceremony of the 2012 Olympics. And earlier this year, she had announced the awarding of the CMG, the Order of St Michael and St George, to the actor.
Princess Anne: "We have been waiting for you".
Doing the honours and deputising for the Queen was Princess Anne, who presented the honour to Daniel Craig during a solemn investiture at court. And the caption chosen for the photo posted on the Royal Family's Instagram account speaks volumes: 'We've been waiting for you', a phrase taken from the James Bond films.
The actor, who said goodbye to the character of 007 with the release of his fifth film in the franchise, No Time To Die, received the high accolade thanks to the contribution he has made to the world of film and theatre through his career.
Daniel Craig, awarded the James Bond
The Order of St. Michael and St. George was created by the English court in 1818 and today honours individuals who have distinguished themselves in their field at home and abroad. In two novels by Ian Fleming, later made into films – To 007, from Russia with Love, in 1963, and Agent 007 – On Her Majesty's Secret Service, in 1969 – it emerges that Bond received it for his commitment to the Queen and his country.