Daniel Craig is decorated by Queen Elizabeth II, in the same style as James Bond

The main medical officials of the pandemic in the United Kingdom were decorated on Friday by Queen Elizabeth II, while the actor Daniel Craig received the same award as the James Bond he plays in the movies.

England’s chief medical officer Chris Whitty, a well-known figure in the country who regularly informs the public about the health crisis, has been promoted to the rank of Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath, which is granted to the military and civil servants.

Patrick Vallance, scientific adviser to the Government, received the same accolade, while other major players in the fight against coronavirus, such as the medical directors of Scotland and Wales and the deputy medical director of England, Jonathan Van Tam, were named Knights or Ladies of the Order of the British Empire.

The United Kingdom is one of the countries most affected by the pandemic, with more than 148,000 deaths and an explosion of infections from the omicron variant. To try to curb the virus, the government is carrying out a massive vaccination boost campaign.

In the cultural sphere, 53-year-old actor Daniel Craig was named a Companion of the Order of St. Michael and St. George, as the famous spy he plays on the big screen, for his services to the film and theater industry.

“Dying can wait”, the latest James Bond adventure, whose departure was delayed this year by the pandemic, also marked Craig’s last participation in the saga.

On the occasion of the film’s premiere, which was a huge box office success, the Royal Navy appointed the actor honorary commander, the same rank as his character. In total, he has donned the Agent 007 costume five times since “Casino Royale” in 2006.

The producer, Barbara Broccoli, was named Commander of the Order of the British Empire. In total, the queen honored 1,278 people, including scientists, athletes, artists, fundraisers – including an 11-year-old boy – and anonymous people, whose contribution was vital to their community or country, or during the pandemic.

Royal honors are awarded twice a year, on New Years Day and on the queen’s official birthday in June, although she was born on April 21 of 1926.