The gynaecologist who helped deliver the first child of Prince William and his wife Kate was given a knighthood and veteran actress Angela Lansbury was made a dame in Britain’s New Year Honours List released Tuesday.
For the first time since the list was founded in 1917 there were more women (51 percent) named than men — and two star sportsmen, Andy Murray and David Beckham, were notably absent.
Gynaecologist Marcus Setchell, 70, who delayed his retirement to assist at the birth of Prince George in July, will be called ‘sir’ after being made a Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order — a personal honour from Queen Elizabeth II.
Lansbury, the 88-year-old British-born actress best known for her role as amateur detective Jessica Fletcher in US TV series “Murder, She Wrote”, was also handed a top honour, being made a Dame of the British Empire.
The twice-yearly list of the great and the good — issued at the New Year and on the queen’s birthday in June — recognises those who have succeeded in their personal field, or those who have contributed to their community.
