London, June 14: James Bond star Roger Moore was awarded a knighthood by Queen Elizabeth ii in her birthday honours list published today. However the 75-year-old was not knighted for his acting ability, but for his tireless work for the children's charity UNICEF for which he has been a goodwill ambassador for the past 12 years. Moore becomes the second James bond knight, his predecessor in the role Sean Connery was knighted three years ago. On receiving his title, Moore said, "I am so proud to be the recipient of this great honour. I am doubly proud because this is an acknowledgement of UNICEF, the United Nations Children's Fund, an organisation I am honoured to work for as an international goodwill ambassador. "I accept this title on behalf of the many thousands of volunteers and workers at UNICEF who dedicate their lives to helping the millions of children in need around the world today."
The actor, who recently had a pacemaker fitted after collapsing on stage during a performance on New York's Broadway, is resting at home in Monaco, France.

Moore starred in seven bond films, beginning with "Live And Let Die" in 1973 and "The Man With The Golden Gun" in 1974 and ending with "A View To A Kill" in 1985.

Later this year Moore will be asked to kneel before the Queen in a special ceremony where she will place a sword on his shoulders confirming his knighthood.
Bureau Report