In recognition of his outstanding contribution to science and public health Professor Sir Chris Whitty has received the Freedom of the City of London.
Sir Chris played a vital role in the COVID-19 pandemic response in the UK and was appointed Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath (KCB) in the 2022 New Year Honours for services to public health.
Hugely respected Sir Chris is extremely experienced epidemiologist and expert in infectious diseases and tropical medicine, Professor Whitty is the government’s Chief Medical Adviser and head of the public health profession. As well, Professor Whitty is a practising NHS Consultant Physician at University College London Hospitals and the Hospital for Tropical Diseases, and a visiting professor at Gresham College, which is supported by the City of London Corporation.
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Nominated for the award by Lord Mayor of the City of London, Professor Michael Mainelli, and City of London Corporation Elected Member Simon Duckworth, Sir Chris was surrounded by friends, family and colleagues at the ceremony that took place in the Guildhall.
Speaking before the ceremony, Lord Mayor Michael Mainelli said: “As news about COVID-19 began to spread and later, as the pandemic took hold in the UK, Professor Whitty was among those who guided us through those most difficult of times, a calm and authoritative voice when many of us were frightened by the virus, confused by the science, and unsure about the future.
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