The Queen gives out an unexpected gift in lockdown

By Georgia Farquharson published 30 April 20

Her Majesty the Queen has promoted Captain Tom Moore to honorary colonel on his 100th birthday.

The Queen gave Captain Tom the special honour after he raised an incredible £30 million for the NHS
She also marked the occasion by sending him a personalised card
Captain Tom Moore became a national hero after planning to raise £1000 for the NHS by walking 100 laps of his garden
It follows royal news that Prince Harry penned a touching letter after devastating loss

The Queen has bestowed an incredibly special honour on national hero, Captain Tom Moore, as he marks his 100th birthday.

Her Majesty has promoted the war veteran to honorary colonel in recognition of his huge fundraising achievement to booster the NHS during the coronavirus crisis. He has raised over £30 million after completing 100 laps of his garden.

Captain Tom received news of his promotion via a letter presented to him by Lt Col Thomas Miller - the commanding office of the 1st Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment at his home.

He also received a personalised letter from the Queen and has been re-presented with his Second World War Defence Medal - days before next week's VE Day celebrations.

And the birthday boy is feeling "in awe" at the response. "A message from Tom: 'It is quite extraordinary that I am turning 100. It is even more extraordinary that I am doing so with this many well-wishers and I am in awe at the response my walking has had,'" he tweeted. "To everyone who has donated, sent birthday cards and messages, sincerely thank you."

It comes just days after Captain Tom Moore - who served with the 8th Battalion of the Duke of Wellington's Regiment and was stationed in India and Burma - broke the Guinness World Record for the most money raised by doing an individual charity walk.

And Captain Tom revealed the important reason he always wore his medals while completing the fundraiser. "It's important. It shows that I was part of a very important and super army at the time who were all battling for our country, which we're all so proud of," he explained.

"I still very proud of our country. There is nowhere like ours."

Captain Tom has become a national treasure in recent weeks and has been inundated with birthday cards as he celebrated his milestone birthday. Even receiving enough birthday cards to fill a school hall.

As well as a special wartime RAF flyover to honour Captain Tom on his birthday, the 100-year-old also received a message from the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson - who has branded him a "point of light in all our lives".

Boris said, "'Your heroic efforts have lifted the spirits of the entire nation. You've created a channel to enable millions to say a heartfelt thank you to the remarkable men and women in our NHS who are doing the most astounding job.

"There is a tradition going back some years now where the Prime Minister takes a moment each day to thank someone for their service to others.

"By recognising them as a point of light. Captain Tom, that is exactly what you are - a point of light in all our lives. So, on behalf of the whole country, thank you, and have a very special 100th birthday."

Georgia Farquharson

Georgia writes across Woman & Home and Good to Know and specialises in all things royal. Previously labelled the "Queen of the royals," Georgia knows the whose who and what's what when it comes to the monarchy. When she's not eagerly following the royal family, Georgia enjoys shopping and self-care. She lives with this motto in mind; "if your dreams don't scare you, they aren't big enough."