James Bond actor Daniel Craig on Tuesday received the same honor held by his fictional character, as he is set to retire from the role.
The 54-year-old British actor who played Bond for the fifth and final time in the 2021 film “No Time To Die”, was made a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George, a rare honor that author Ian Fleming bestowed on his fictional agent.
As Craig bowed his head during an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle, Princess Anne smirked and placed the order around his neck.
The actor was honored for his outstanding contribution to film and theatre.
Craig was in London for the European premiere of “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery”, which closed the BFI London Film Festival on Sunday.
“We’ve been expecting you”, the royal family’s official Twitter account captioned its photograph, quoting a line famously used by a Bond villain.
“You Only Live Twice” author Ian Fleming Publications tweeted that the late James Bond received the honor in his obituary.
This was not the first time that Craig reprised his role as Bond with the royal family as part of a joke.
He wore a tuxedo to film a spoof clip with Queen Elizabeth II and her corgis for the opening ceremony of the 2012 Games Olympics hosted by London.
