New Appointments to the Order of Merit

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.