Sir David Attenborough to be given second knighthood for services to television and conservation | UK News

Sir David Attenborough is to be given a second knighthood for services to television broadcasting and conservation.

Sir David was first knighted by the Queen in 1985 but is now being appointed a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael And St George – a higher accolade – in a nod to his documentaries about the natural world and his campaigning to save it.

The Prince of Wales, himself a committed environmentalist, is expected to bestow the honour on the 96-year-old national treasure at an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle.

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The beloved broadcaster, who is the same age as the Queen, was featured in a segment of the Platinum Party at the Palace outside Buckingham Palace during the Jubilee weekend.

The Duke of Cambridge highlighted the efforts of “visionary environmentalists” during this section of the show, which saw a clip of Sir David projected onto Buckingham Palace.

Prince William also spoke about the pride he felt for “my grandfather and my father”, the Duke of Edinburgh and Charles, who have championed the natural world.

The latest honour comes as Sir David was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, joining Pope Francis and the World Health Organisation on the list of this year’s candidates.

Gary Lightbody, the lead singer of rock band Snow Patrol, is also due collect his OBE for services to music and to charity in Northern Ireland.

Spy chief Sir Jeremy Fleming, director of GCHQ, is expected to receive his knighthood after he was made Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George for services to foreign, Commonwealth and diplomatic services.

Professor Sir Andrew Pollard, director of the Oxford Vaccine Group, is expected to be knighted for services to public health, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic while actor Toby Jones is due to collect his OBE for services to drama.

Olympic and Paralympic gold medallists are also set to be honoured, including curling captain Eve Muirhead, swimmer Hannah Russell, boccia player David Smith and cyclist Jaco van Gass.