UK: British author Terry Pratchett receives knighthood
19 Feb 2009 1:57 AM
LONDON, Feb 18 AP - Fantasy author Terry Pratchett has been knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for services to literature.
The British writer received the knighthood at an ceremony at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday wearing a top hat and morning suit.
The 60-year-old British writer is known for his Discworld series of novels and has sold more than 55 million books worldwide. He announced last year that he has early onset Alzheimer's - a rare form of the disease.
A 14-year-old swimmer who won two gold medals at the 2008 Paralympic Games was also made a Member of the Order of the British Empire or MBE in Wednesday's ceremony. The British government said Eleanor Simmonds is the first person under 18 to receive the award.
