Royale congratulations to Daniel Craig who is to be bestowed the rare Order of St. Michael and St. George. The sixth most senior British honour, it is normally awarded for extraordinary non-military service, and is usually reserved for top spies and diplomats.

A further rather apt historical connection is that Ian Fleming’s James Bond was fictionally honoured with the medal. Mentioned in the FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE and ON HER MAJESTY’S SECRET SERVICE novels, the award is also onscreen mentioned on Bond’s SKYFALL obituary and offered to Judi Dench’s M in the same film.

Rather fitting, sir.

BAFTA – A Life in Pictures – DANIEL CRAIG © BAFTA/Agnė Bekeraitytė