Queen Elizabeth honours Britain's health service for pandemic work

FILE PHOTO: A man wearing a protective face mask walks past a mural praising the NHS (National Health Service) amidst the continuation of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, London, Britain, March 5, 2021. REUTERS/Toby Melville

LONDON (Reuters) - Queen Elizabeth has awarded Britain's National Health Service (NHS) the George Cross - the highest civilian gallantry award - in recognition of 73 years of dedicated service, including during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The honour has only been bestowed collectively twice before, and only once by the queen.