Professor Chris Whitty And Tony Blair Knighted In New Year's Honours List

Professor Chris Whitty and Tony Blair have been knighted in the New Year's Honours list.

The pair are two of a number of high profile figures to have been recognised, alongside the likes of Professor Jonathan Van-Tam, and Dr Jenny Harries, the chief executive of the UK Health Security Agency, who have been given a knighthood and a damehood, respectively.

Prof Whitty is the country's Chief Medical Officer and was a key part of the UK government's team which has dealt with the Covid pandemic over the past two years, heading up daily press briefings informing the public of what was being done.

The government's Chief Scientific Adviser Patrick Vallance, who also led the daily briefings alongside Prof Whitty, has also received a knighthood for his services.

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Praising them for their work during the pandemic, Health Secretary Sajid Javid said: "It has been a privilege to work with such dedicated professionals who have worked relentlessly throughout the pandemic providing expert advice so we can keep people safe.

"This year the Honours list rightly recognises those whose efforts have helped us deliver world-leading testing and vaccination programmes, and I am deeply grateful for their hard work."

Tony Blair has been appointed to the Order of the Garter.

Whereas the standard New Year Honours list sees those nominated via the prime minister's office, the Order of the Garter is a royal appointment.

Reacting to the news, the former Prime Minister and leader of the Labour Party said it was 'an immense honour' and that he was 'deeply grateful to Her Majesty the Queen'.

There were also a number of sports stars honoured in this year's list.

Husband and wife Jason and Laura Kenny have been made a knight and a dame for their services to cycling.

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Gymnast Max Whitlock will receive an OBE while tennis phenomenon Emma Raducanu has been appointed MBE following an incredible year which saw her win the US Open.

Jody Cundy, who has won a number of gold medals in swimming and cycling at the Paralympic Games, was appointed CBE.

And Tom Daley, who won gold at the games in Tokyo this summer, was appointed OBE for services to "diving, LGBTQ+ rights and charity".

His swimming partner and fellow gold medallist, Matty Lee, has also received an MBE.

In the world of entertainment, both Joanna Lumley and Vanessa Redgrave have been made dames.

And Daniel Craig has been given a special diplomatic honour after starring in his final James Bond movie.

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The actor is to be made a companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG).

The latest announcements come after Sir Lewis Hamilton was knighted at Windsor Castle last month.

The British Formula 1 star was invited to the glitzy ceremony to become a Sir and didn't speak to reporters after the event.

Officials decided he should be knighted after the 36-year-old equalled Michael Schumacher's record of seven F1 championships in 2020.

Sir Lewis brought his mum, Carmen Lockhart, to the event and he posed for photographs in the quadrangle at Windsor Castle.

While he's not the first Formula 1 racer to have been knighted (with Australian Sir Jack Brabham, Sir Stirling Moss and Sir Jackie Stewart also receiving the honour) he is the first to become a Sir while he's still competing.