Arise Sir Andy...finally!
16 May 2019, 07:26 | Updated: 16 May 2019, 07:33
Sir Andy Murray will collect his knighthood at Buckingham Palace today, more than two years after he was awarded the honour.
The three-time Grand Slam champion was named in the Queen's New Years Honours in 2016, following his second Wimbledon win and second Olympic gold.
Speaking at the time, the 32-year-old said being known as a sir "sounds a bit strange" but welcomed "the big honour".
Sir Andy said: "It's great recognition for my results of the last few years and it's obviously a very nice way to finish 2016 or start 2017, but I'm more than happy just being known as Andy, that's fine by me."
Sir Andy will collect the award at an investiture ceremony conducted by the Prince of Wales, alongside Sir Philip Pullman, who will be knighted for his services to literature.
The Dark Materials author was "very surprised and honoured" to have been recognised by the Queen last December, and paid tribute to other writers who have previously collected awards.
He said in a statement: ""Many people I admire, such as Quentin Blake, Ellen MacArthur, Chris Hoy, Jacqueline Wilson, Nicholas Hytner, Jocelyn Bell Burnell, Bryn Terfel, Ray Davies, Mary Beard - far too many to list - have been happy to accept a knighthood or damehood, and I am proud to be in their company."
Broadcaster Chris Packham will also be awarded a CBE for services to nature conservation.
The BBC Springwatch presenter said the honour was a "silent thanks" from the animals he has defended, after he was named on the New Years Honours list in 2018.
Mr Packham is a campaigner against blood sports and the badger cull.
