New Appointments to the Order of Merit

Published

His Majesty The King has been pleased to make six new appointments to the Order of Merit.  Appointments to the Order are made in recognition of distinguished service to the Armed Forces, science, art, literature, or for the promotion of culture. The individuals were chosen by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth in early September.

The new appointments are Sir David Adjaye OBE, RA; Professor Dame Elizabeth Anionwu, DBE, FCRN; Baroness Floella Benjamin, DBE; Professor Margaret MacMillan, CHC  CC (Canada); Sir Paul Nurse, CH; and Dr Venki Ramakrishnan.

These appointments are the first since His Majesty became Sovereign of the Order.

The Order of Merit

The Order of Merit, founded in 1902 by King Edward VII, is a special mark of honour conferred by the Sovereign on individuals of exceptional distinction in the armed forces, science, arts, literature, or for the promotion of culture. Appointments to the Order are in the Sovereign's personal gift. The Order is restricted to 24 members.

Related content

Remarks by The King at 'A King's Trust Celebration' at the Royal Albert Hall

You'll all make a huge difference to this country and many others.

18 May 2026
News

The King visits Bermuda

01 May 2026
The King in Bermuda

A speech by His Majesty The King at the White House State Dinner, Washington

Tonight, we are here to renew an indispensable alliance which has long been a cornerstone of prosperity and security for both British and American citizens. Our people have...

29 April 2026

The King’s Address to the Joint Meeting of Congress in Washington

The Alliance that our two Nations have built over the centuries – and for which we are profoundly grateful to the American people – is truly unique.

28 April 2026

The King’s message to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the birth of Queen Elizabeth II

Queen Elizabeth’s ‘promise with destiny kept’ shaped the world around her and touched the lives of countless people across our nation, the Commonwealth and beyond.

20 April 2026

The King's letter to Colonel Jeremy Hansen ahead of the launch of the Artemis II mission

It is with immense pride and a profound sense of shared purpose that I write to you as you prepare to embark upon the Artemis II mission.

31 March 2026

A Speech by The Queen at a Literary Reception to mark the fifth anniversary of Her Majesty's Reading Room

I find it hard to believe that it is five years since I founded it, at the height of lockdown, with the simple aim of sharing my lifelong conviction that books make life...

25 March 2026
News

Royal Maundy 2026

02 April 2026
Royal Maundy 2026

The King's speech at the Nigeria State Banquet

We in the United Kingdom are blessed that so many people of Nigerian heritage, having chosen Britain as their home, are now at the heart of British life through excelling at...

18 March 2026

The Queen's speech at a WOW reception to mark International Women's Day

Every woman has a story. And these stories must be told. Because when we live in a culture of silence, we empower violence against women and girls.

10 March 2026
News

Commonwealth Day 2026

12 March 2026
Members of The Royal Family attend The Queen Elizabeth Prizes for Education

The King's Commonwealth Day Message 2026

Working together, we can ensure that the Commonwealth continues to stand as a force for good – grounded in community, committed to the kind of restorative sustainability that...

08 March 2026
Page

Royal Household Gift Policy 2026

This Gift Policy seeks to provide a framework for the management of gifts by The Royal Household, on behalf of The Sovereign and other Members of The Royal Family.

Press release 03 March 2026

The King's Medal for Music 2024 & 2025

Read more

A message from His Majesty The King congratulating Team GB and teams across the Commonwealth on their successes at the Winter Olympic Games in Milano Cortina.

As the Winter Games come to a close, my wife and I send our most heartfelt congratulations to all the Olympic medal winners from Team GB, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, on...

22 February 2026
Press release 19 February 2026

A Statement from His Majesty The King

Read more
Press release 14 February 2026

The King’s Gold Medal for Poetry 2025

Read more

A message from The King on the death of Reverend Jesse Jackson

My wife and I were deeply saddened to hear of the death of the Reverend Jesse Jackson. We send our deepest sympathy to his family. I remember with great fondness meeting him...

18 February 2026

A message from The King ahead of a reception at Windsor Castle to celebrate carers

So to those who provide care - whether you wear a uniform or simply the clothes you felt able to pull on in the morning - please know that the great love you show in small...

12 February 2026

A message from The King, following the attack at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in British Columbia

My wife and I were profoundly shocked and saddened to learn of the most dreadful attack at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in British Columbia. We can only express our deepest...

11 February 2026