Captain Sir Tom Moore says being knighted by the Queen was ‘something very special’

‘You never, ever could imagine what it was like to be so close to the Queen,’ says Second World War veteran

Captain Sir Tom Moore has spoken about his experience of being knighted by the Queen.

The 100-year-old Second World War veteran attended a unique open-air ceremony at Windsor Castle on Friday to receive the honour, marking the Queen’s first in-person official engagement.

The Queen, who has been staying at Windsor during the coronavirus pandemic, knighted Sir Tom using a sword that belonged to her father, King George VI.

The decision to honour Sir Tim with a knighthood came after he raised almost £33 million for NHS Charities Together by participating in a walking fundraiser in the lead-up to his 100th birthday.

Now, in an appearance on BBC Breakfast on Saturday, the centenarian described being knighted by HRH as “something very special”.

“You never, ever could imagine what it was like to be so close to the Queen, who is an absolute dream of a person.

“We really enjoyed ourselves thoroughly and to have that honour, really, that is something very special.”

When asked what he and the Queen discussed when he was being knighted, Sir Tom explained he would keep that part private.

“The Queen and I had a little private conversation and that will stay between the two of us for all time,” he told the TV presenters.

Answering questions from the UK press after the ceremony Sir Tom said he was “overawed” by the honour of being knighted by the Queen.

“This is such a high award and to get it from Her Majesty as well, what more can anyone wish for?” he said.

“This has been an absolutely magnificent day for me.”

Sir Moore added: “To meet the Queen was more than anyone could expect, never ever did I imagine I would get so close to the Queen and have such a kind message from her, that was really outstanding, it was truly outstanding.”