The Queen awarded Captain Tom Moore his knighthood today, in a ceremony at Windsor Castle.
Captain Tom, 100, captured the hearts of the UK when he aimed to walk 100 laps of his garden ahead of his big birthday, and raise £1000 for NHS Charities Together. The organisation does contribute money to some treatment and healthcare within the service.
Captain Sir Tom Moore at his Investiture at Windsor Castle today
But he surpassed his own expectations, raising over £32 million.
Tom 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.
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The ceremony took place in the Quadrangle at Windsor, where Her Majesty recently celebrated her official birthday with a scaled-back version of Trooping the Colour. The Monarch said: “Thank you so much, an amazing amount of money you raised.”
The Queen used a sword belonging to her father, George VI, for Captain Tom’s investiture as a knight
Captain Tom Moore with his knighthood medal at Windsor Castle; the 100-year-old raised more than £32 million for NHS charities
The Queen used the sword that belonged to her father, King George VI, to touch Captain Tom on both shoulders, granting him his award. He was also given the red ribbon and gold insignia to mark his rank.
Daughter Hannah Ingram-Moore, son-in-law Colin Ingram, grandson Benjie and granddaughter Georgia proudly watched the ceremony, with the royal arrival being announced by the sound of bagpipes. The family later joined the new Knight and spoke to The Queen.
Mrs 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 Tom and his family talk to The Queen after the investiture
This is the first ceremony of its kind, taking place outdoors and with social distancing in place.
Officially, Tom is now ‘Captain Sir Thomas Moore’, although he received an honorary colonelship for his fundraising.
“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,” Tom commented.
? NEW: Captain Sir Tom just told us about his “outstanding” day with the Queen @captaintommoore pic.twitter.com/qTk8AHCqRl
— Chris Ship (@chrisshipitv) July 17, 2020
The veteran received an RAF flypast and was notified of his knighthood back in May, having received a traditional 100th birthday message from The Queen.
The event came just a few hours after Princess Beatrice secretly married her fiance at the nearby All Saints’ Chapel, near her family home of Royal Lodge. Around 20 people are understood to have attended, including The Queen and Prince Philip.
