Captain Tom To Be Knighted By The Queen In Private Ceremony At Windsor Castle

Jul 15, 2020

Captain Tom Moore, the 100-year-old World War II veteran who raised over £33 million for NHS charities amid the coronavirus pandemic is set to become knighted by the Queen in a personal ceremony at Windsor Castle.

Despite the fact that all investitures for June and July have been delayed due to the pandemic, Captain Tom's knighting will go ahead this Friday, as he and his family travel to Berkshire to the royal residence.

Making headlines back in April, Captain Tom set out to raise just £1,000 for NHS charities by walking 100 laps of his Bedfordshire garden before his 100th birthday on April 30. Not only did he finish the planned number of laps ahead of time, but his charity drive went viral, resulting in over £33 million raised. Captain Tom's dedication and generous soul won hearts all over, turning him into a national hero.

He even released a charity single titled You'll Never Walk Alone, alongside singer Michael Ball. The song reached number one in the charts and has made him the oldest artist to hit the top spot. But that's not the only record Captain Tom achieved recently—he also now holds the Guinness World Record for raising the most money ever doing an individual charity walk.

Now a centenarian, Captain Tom has proven that you can never be too old to start achieving things and breaking world records. Prime Minister Boris Johnson called Captain Tom a "true national treasure," according to Metro. He further added:

"Colonel Tom’s fantastic fundraising broke records, inspired the whole country and provided us all with a beacon of light through the fog of coronavirus. On behalf of everyone who has been moved by his incredible story, I want to say a huge thank you."

Boris Johnson is said to have recommended Captain Tom be exceptionally honored by the Queen, who then approved the decision back in May. Captain Tom will travel with his family to Windsor Castle in Berkshire, where he will be knighted in a private ceremony, in which the Queen will use a sword that belonged to her father, George VI, before presenting Captain Tom with the insignia of Knight Bachelor.

Despite the positive event, members of the public have been asked not to gather in Windsor town center in hopes of witnessing the ceremony, as it will take place entirely inside the castle and not be visible externally to the public. An investiture ceremony will take place at a later date.

Adding to Captain Tom's many achievements, the war veteran was recently made an honorary colonel, marking his centenary and fundraising mission. Congratulations to the incredible Captain—soon to be Sir—Tom Moore!

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