UK’s Chief Medical Officer awarded Freedom of the City of London
Professor Sir Chris Whitty has been honored with the Freedom of the City of London, acknowledging his significant contributions to science and public health. His pivotal role in managing the COVID-19 crisis in the UK earned him the title of Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath (KCB) in the 2022 New Year Honours for his services in public health.
An esteemed epidemiologist and authority on infectious diseases and tropical medicine, Professor Whitty serves as the Chief Medical Adviser to the government and leads the public health profession. He also works as an NHS Consultant Physician at both University College London Hospitals and the Hospital for Tropical Diseases, and he holds a visiting professorship at Gresham College, supported by the City of London Corporation.
The nomination for this award came from Lord Mayor of the City of London, Professor Michael Mainelli, and Simon Duckworth, an Elected Member of the City of London Corporation. Professor Whitty was joined by his family, friends, and colleagues at the Guildhall for the award ceremony.
Prior to the event, Lord Mayor Michael Mainelli praised Professor Whitty for his guiding role during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting his calm and authoritative presence during a period of fear, confusion, and uncertainty.
Professor Sir Chris Whitty expressed his deep honor in receiving the Freedom of the City of London, acknowledging the city’s longstanding role in medical education and public health, from its historical guilds to its current support for life sciences.
The Freedom of the City of London, a tradition believed to have started in 1237, allows recipients to practice their trade. This honor is bestowed by the City of London Corporation either through nomination, application, or as a tribute to individuals who have significantly contributed to London or public life, or achieved something particularly noteworthy.
Other notable recipients include Professor Dame Sarah Gilbert, who led the creation of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine; former England football captain and Tottenham Hotspur striker, Harry Kane; theatre producer Sir Cameron Mackintosh; and LGBTQ+ activist and London Night Czar, Amy Lamé.