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Ahead of the premiere of the newest Bond instalment, actor Daniel Craig has been made an honorary commander in the Royal Navy, matching the on-screen rank of 007.
Craig, whose fifth and final outing as 007 in “No Time To Die” is set to hit US screens on October 8, expressed gratitude on Thursday, September 23 as he received the rank that matches the fictional one.
He has played 007 in five films spanning 15 years, with the filmmakers working closely with the Royal Navy and the British Ministry of Defence on the latest production.
Sky News reported that the 53-year-old actor said;
“I am truly privileged and honored to be appointed the rank of Honorary Commander in the senior service.”
First Sea Lord Adm. Tony Radakin, Britain’s highest-ranking naval officer, said he was “delighted” to honor the iconic superspy actor.
Radakin said;
“Daniel Craig is well known for being Commander Bond for the last 15 years, a naval officer who keeps Britain safe through missions across the globe.
“That’s what the real Royal Navy does every day, using technology and skill the same way as Bond himself.’
Before receiving the honorary rank, Craig met Lt. Cmdr. Frances Bond who works at the Royal Navy’s headquarters in Portsmouth, on England’s south coast.
Bond said;
“I’ve had my fair share of light-hearted banter from colleagues over being a real-life Bond but I never imagined I would actually one day get to meet the actor who played him.
“I really enjoyed speaking to Daniel Craig and the rest of the cast. It was fascinating to hear their perspectives on working with the armed forces and learning a bit about the world of Hollywood.
“There are some strange similarities between what we do. I’ve been lucky enough to travel the world during my service with the Royal Navy, like the cast have too with their filming locations.”
As well as HMS Dragon, the Royal Air Force granted filmmakers access to key assets and personnel.
RAF Brize Norton was used as a backdrop in the film, standing in for a Nato airbase in Noway. The army supplied troops from the Household Cavalry.
