Attenborough receives Order of Merit award from Queen Elizabeth II

LONDON (AP) _ TV naturalist David Attenborough received the prestigious Order of Merit award Friday from Queen Elizabeth II. <br/><br/>The order is a special distinction awarded by the queen to people

Friday, June 10th 2005, 10:14 am

By: News On 6

LONDON (AP) _ TV naturalist David Attenborough received the prestigious Order of Merit award Friday from Queen Elizabeth II.

The order is a special distinction awarded by the queen to people who have shown exceptional merit in the arts, learning, literature and science or public service.

``How could anyone believe they actually deserved something like this?'' Attenborough said. ``I can only think that it is because I have been able to reach so many people through television.''

The award was presented at Buckingham Palace.

Attenborough, 79, can now use the letters ``OM'' after his name.

The prominent conservationist has written, produced and hosted natural history TV programs for 50 years. His 13-part series ``Life on Earth'' has been seen by millions of people.

Attenborough, who was granted a knighthood in 1985, studied zoology before joining the British Broadcasting Corp. in 1952. He went on to hold a string of BBC management posts in the 1960s.

LONDON (AP) _ TV naturalist David Attenborough received the prestigious Order of Merit award Friday from Queen Elizabeth II.

The order is a special distinction awarded by the queen to people who have shown exceptional merit in the arts, learning, literature and science or public service.

``How could anyone believe they actually deserved something like this?'' Attenborough said. ``I can only think that it is because I have been able to reach so many people through television.''

The award was presented at Buckingham Palace.

Attenborough, 79, can now use the letters ``OM'' after his name.

The prominent conservationist has written, produced and hosted natural history TV programs for 50 years. His 13-part series ``Life on Earth'' has been seen by millions of people.

Attenborough, who was granted a knighthood in 1985, studied zoology before joining the British Broadcasting Corp. in 1952. He went on to hold a string of BBC management posts in the 1960s.