PRESS RELEASE: Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has bestowed prestigious honours to Dr Nemat Talaat Shafik, deputy governor of the Bank of England, and His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the UK for their outstanding service to British society.
Dr Shafik has been made a Dame Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (DBE) for her services to public administration and the global economy. Originally from Alexandria, Dr Shafik is a highly distinguished economist who has worked previously as Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund and Permanent Secretary of the UK’s Department for International Development (DFID).
His Grace Bishop Angaelos has been made an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his services to international religious freedom. Bishop Angaelos was born in Cairo and was consecrated a monk by Pope Shenouda III before beginning his pastoral mission in the UK in 1999. Throughout his ministry he has been a staunch advocate for human rights and religious freedoms.
The honours awarded to Dr Shafik and Bishop Angaelos come as part of the Queen’s Birthday Honours list, published on the date of the Queen’s official birthday. The honours system recognises people who have made achievements in public life and committed themselves to serving and helping Britain. Honours are awarded to people from all different backgrounds for a wide range of reasons, such as making a difference to their community or field of work, improving life for people less able to help themselves, or displaying moral courage.
British Ambassador John Casson said:
“Today is a day to celebrate how Britain and Egypt working together gets amazing results. Dr Shafik and Bishop Angaelos have led dedicated lives in service of others and it is right that their achievements and contributions to Britain, Egypt, and indeed the whole world are recognised. They, along with many other outstanding individuals honoured for their public service today, are inspirations to young Britons and young Egyptians alike.”