LONDON (AP) – He’s Sir Roger Moore now but the actor, who received a knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday, says he doesn’t mind if fans still refer to him as 007. Rock star Sting also was honored by the queen.
Moore, 75, was knighted not for his portrayal of the unflappable British secret agent James Bond but for his charity work, including 12 years as a goodwill ambassador for UNICEF, the United Nations Children’s Fund.
Earlier this year, Moore had a pacemaker fitted after collapsing on stage during a performance on Broadway. He is the second James Bond actor to be knighted – Sir Sean Connery was honored three years ago.
The current Bond, Pierce Brosnan, collected an honorary Order of the British Empire in July. It was honorary because he is an Irish citizen.
Rock star Sting also met the queen Thursday and was made a CBE, or Commander of the British Empire, a lesser honor than a knighthood.
Announced at the palace as “Gordon Sumner, known as Sting,” the 51-year-old singer and songwriter took a bow before the queen.
“I’ve never met the queen before. It’s a little bit like a dream,” said Sting, formerly a member of the hit rock group The Police.
“I’d be surprised if she knows my music – I know (Prince) Charles listens to it – but there’s always hope.”
The honors are bestowed by the queen but largely selected by the government. The recipients were announced in June.
AP-ES-10-09-03 1111EDT
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