Daniel Craig has taken yet another step towards becoming synonymous with James Bond after accepting a royal honour that’s held by the iconic MI6 intelligence officer he portrayed for over a decade.
The former 007 actor was made a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George by the late Queen Elizabeth II back in January – a nod to his fictional persona for “outstanding contribution to film and theatre.”
This week, the rare honour was finally bestowed him at Windsor Castle by the deceased monarch’s daughter, Princess Anne, who donned a naval uniform as she placed the ribbon around Craig’s neck during the investiture ceremony.
RELATED: Netflix’s ‘Knives Out’ Sequel Starring Daniel Craig Has An Official Trailer
“We’ve been expecting you,” the royal family’s official Twitter account captioned the photograph above, paraphrasing the quote famously spoken by Dr Kanaga / Mr Big (Yaphet Kotto) in 1973’s Live & Let Die.
The royal honour comes a little over a year after the British Royal Navy appointed Daniel Craig the rank and title of Honorary Commander – which is also the very same rank and title held by James Bond – complete with his own modern uniform.
In Britain, honorary naval officers are public ambassadors for the armed forces. And as per the statement posted to the official 007 website, Commander Craig is quite keen to support personnel with the British Royal Navy, particularly service families.
RELATED: The Next James Bond Will Have To Be In His 30s
“I am delighted to welcome Honorary Commander Daniel Craig to the Royal Navy,” said First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Tony Radakin.
“Our honorary officers act as ambassadors and advocates for the Service, sharing their time and expertise to spread the message about what our global, modern, and ready Royal Navy is doing around the world.”
“Daniel Craig is well known for being Commander Bond for the last 15 years – a Naval officer who keeps Britain safe through missions across the globe.”
“That’s what the real Royal Navy does every day, using technology and skill the same way as Bond himself. I look forward to him getting to see more of our sailors and marines over the coming months and years.”
RELATED: Daniel Craig’s Military-Inspired Workout For ‘No Time To Die’
All that’s left now is the knighthood.
Daniel Craig, 54, first appeared as James Bond in Casino Royale (2006). Across his 15-year screen tenure, the British thespian would lead a total of five films including his Martin Campbell-directed debut: Quantum of Solace (2008), Skyfall (2012), Spectre (2015), concluding his run with Cary Joji Fukunaga’s No Time To Die in September 2021.
Along the way, Craig also made time to escort Queen Elizabeth II to the 2012 Summer Olympics opening ceremony in character – check it out below.
