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

An address by Her Majesty The Queen on the 75th anniversary of VE Day

Never give up, never despair - that was the message of VE Day

08 May 2020
Feature

The 75th Anniversary of VE Day

The 75th Anniversary of VE Day

King George VI's VE Day broadcast

Together we shall all face the future with stern resolve and prove that our reserves of will-power and vitality are inexhaustible.

08 May 1945

The Princess Royal's message to mark the opening of the NHS Louisa Jordan Hospital

While many people feel frustrated and helpless, the Louisa Jordan Hospital is a way of being positive and helpful.

30 April 2020
Press release 23 April 2020

Official gifts received in 2019

Read more
Press release 22 April 2020

An announcement regarding Royal events in June

Read more

The Queen's message to the people of Nova Scotia

​My thoughts and prayers are with the people of Nova Scotia and all Canadians at this tragic time.

20 April 2020

The Duke of Edinburgh's message to everyone who is helping to tackle the pandemic

As we approach World Immunisation Week, I wanted to recognise the vital and urgent work being done by so many to tackle the pandemic ...

20 April 2020

The Queen's Easter message

May the living flame of the Easter hope be a steady guide as we face the future.

11 April 2020
News

Maundy Thursday

01 April 2021

The Queen's broadcast to the UK and Commonwealth

We should take comfort that while we may have more still to endure, better days will return

05 April 2020
Press release 20 March 2020

An announcement regarding Changing of the Guard

Read more
Press release 19 March 2020

A message from Her Majesty The Queen, 19th March 2020

Read more
Press release 17 March 2020

Announcement regarding changes to The Queen's diary

Read more
Feature

Sport

The Duke of Edinburgh had a lifetime interest in sport.
News

Commonwealth Day 2020

09 March 2020

The Queen's 2020 Commonwealth Day Message

Such a blend of traditions serves to make us stronger, individually and collectively, by providing the ingredients needed for social, political and economic resilience

09 March 2020

The Countess of Wessex’s speech at an event to celebrate International Women’s Day in Juba, South Sudan

May I thank the people of South Sudan for the warmth of your welcome and I wish you well as you move away from the darkness of conflict towards the light of opportunity

06 March 2020