Ara Darzi, Baron Darzi of Denham
Ara Warkes Darzi, Baron Darzi of Denham, is an Armenian-British surgeon, academic, and politician.
Official portrait, 2019
The Order of Merit is an order of merit for the Commonwealth realms, recognising distinguished service in the armed forces, science, art, literature, or the promotion of culture. Established in 1902 by Edward VII, admission into the order remains the personal gift of its Sovereign—currently Edward VII's great-great-grandson Charles III—and is restricted to a maximum of 24 living recipients from the Commonwealth realms, plus honorary members. While all members are awarded the right to use the post-nominal letters OM and wear the badge of the order, the Order of Merit's precedence among other honours differs between countries.
Badge and ribbon bow of the order (for wear by female recipients)
King Edward VII, founder of the Order of Merit
Reverse of the badge as awarded during the reign of Elizabeth II, 1952–2022