British WWII veteran and fundraiser knighted by Queen

: A 100-year-old World War II veteran who became a coronavirus lockdown hero by raising millions for British health charities was knighted on Friday in a special ceremony by Queen Elizabeth II.

Captain Tom Moore raised nearly 33 million ($41.3 million, 36.1 million euros) by completing 100 laps of his garden, winning hearts across Britain and plaudits around the world.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said in May the Burma campaign veteran would be made a “Sir” in recognition of his achievement and for being a “beacon of light” in lockdown.

He had already been promoted to honorary colonel by the Yorkshire Regiment, and even got to number one in the charts in a collaboration with the singer Michael Ball.

She has been staying at the sprawling castle with her 99-year-old husband Prince Philip since mid-March because their age puts them at high risk of contracting Covid-19.

The monarch, in an aquamarine frock coat and matching hat, dubbed Moore a knight of the realm using a sword belonging to her father, king George VI.