Princess Anne awarded Daniel Craig the same honour bestowed upon the iconic and fictional British spy James Bond, who the actor has played in five instalments of the 007 series. Craig smiled with pride as the Princess placed the medal around his neck, officially making him a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG) for his contribution and services to film and theatre.
Founded in 1818 by King George IV when he was still the Prince Regent, the CMG order is the sixth-most senior in the British honours system. It is normally awarded to men and women who hold high office or who render extraordinary or important non-military service to the UK in a foreign country but can also be given to those who have carried out important or loyal service in relation to foreign and Commonwealth affairs.
Daniel Craig's CMG was announced at the end of 2021 as it was included in the Queen's last annual New Year Honours list. The ceremony took place Wednesday (October 19) morning at Windsor Castle, during which Princess Anne, representing King Charles III, donned her military uniform. While the sovereign is the fount of all the honours, other members of the Royal Family - including Prince William and Anne, are allowed to step in for the King to hand out awards.
Barbara Broccoli and Michael Wilson, who produce and control the James Bond franchise, were also among the figures working in entertainment named on the list. Other than playing James Bong, Craig has also played a number of successful characters including detective Benoit Blanc in Knives Out, got acquainted with royalty over the years, as he met some of the most senior members of the Firm during the premieres of the James Bond films he starred in. Last year, he welcomed to the Royal Albert Hall in London the Prince and Princess of Wales as well as King Charles III and Queen Camilla as they attended the glitzy worldwide launch of 007's No Time To Die.
