Veterans

Captain Tom Moore To Be Knighted By Queen On Friday

Cover image: Captain Sir Tom Moore (Picture: MOD).

NHS fundraising hero Captain Tom Moore is to be knighted by the Queen in his own personal ceremony at Windsor Castle on Friday.

The 100-year-old Second World War veteran will travel to the Berkshire royal residence with members of his family for the special investiture with Her Majesty.

This year, Captain Tom raised nearly £33 million for the NHS by walking 100 laps of his Bedfordshire garden - smashing his original target of just £1,000.

Royal investitures were put on hold during the pandemic, as those scheduled to take place at Buckingham Palace and the Palace of Holyrood in June and July were postponed.

The Queen, who has been staying at Windsor since lockdown started for her safety, will carry out the official engagement in person.

The investiture will take place entirely within the confines of Windsor Castle, with no viewing positions for the public.

Her Majesty will use the sword that belonged to her father, George VI, and will present Captain Tom with the insignia of Knight Bachelor.

Capt Sir Tom raised nearly £33 million for the NHS by walking 100 laps of his garden (Picture: PA). — Captain Tom raised nearly £33 million for the NHS by walking 100 laps of his garden (Picture: PA).

Captain Tom became a national treasure for his fundraising efforts and such is his popularity, members of the public are being asked not to attend Windsor town centre or gather in hope of seeing the ceremony.

Last week,he received a visit from ex-England captain David Beckham.

Beckham visited the veteran as he became the first member of the Lionhearts squad of inspirational heroes - an initiative honouring inspirational people who have gone above and beyond during the COVID-19 crisis.

Captain Tom has also been recognised by the Armed Forces for his work.

He was appointed the first Honorary Colonel of the Army Foundation College in Harrogate and for his 100th birthday, the military conducted two flypasts over his home.

Captain Tom, who served in India and Burma during World War Two, has received other accolades including a Pride of Britain award and becoming the oldest artist to reach number one in the UK singles chart.

Cover image: Captain Sir Tom Moore (Picture: MOD).