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
An announcement regarding Royal events at the Palace of Holyroodhouse
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.
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.
National Gardening Week 2020
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.
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 ...
The Royal Family and Coronavirus
The Duke of Cambridge becomes Patron of the National Emergencies Trust
The Queen's Easter message
May the living flame of the Easter hope be a steady guide as we face the future.
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
Postponement of the State Visit by the Emperor and Empress of Japan
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
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
A Speech by The Duke of Cambridge at the Museum of Literature, Dublin
Today, our relationship goes far beyond two countries that are simply neighbours. “We are firm friends and equal partners”, as my grandmother put it.
A speech by The Duchess of Cambridge at a SportsAid event, London Stadium
You may not always feel appreciated, or sometimes even noticed on the sidelines, in the car park or sitting high in the stands. But I am so proud that SportsAid recognises how...