Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II on Tuesday awarded the state’s National Health Service (NHS) the George Cross for its work over the past 74 years and praised the introduction of the Covid-19 vaccine.
The George Cross is the highest non-military award for bravery bestowed by the British government.
The Queen presented the medal to health leaders from across the UK. They were joined at the ceremony by frontline workers who have been supplying the country during the pandemic.
The latter included May Parsons, the nurse who fired the first shot of the global rollout of the Covid-19 vaccine.
The nurse told the Queen: “We are terribly, terribly proud of the introduction of vaccination.”
“Yes, it was amazing,” she replied.
The UK became the first country in the world to use an approved Covid-19 vaccine.
The 96-year-old head of state was joined by her son and heir Prince Charles at the ceremony at Windsor Castle, the Queen’s residence west of London.
She has retired from public duties since struggling with mobility issues due to a bout of illness last year, but on Tuesday appeared to be doing well despite needing a cane.
Michael Vernon, the royal official responsible for organizing ceremonial events, commended the NHS for the work it has done since its inception in 1948.
“For more than seven decades, and particularly more recently, you have served the people of our country with courage, compassion and dedication while demonstrating the highest standards of public service.”
“You have our ongoing thanks and sincere appreciation,” he said at the ceremony.
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