British novelist Sir Salman Rushdie was made a Companion of Honour at Windsor Castle on Tuesday, nine months after he was stabbed repeatedly in New York.
The honour was presented in recognition of his contribution to literature.
The author, who has been a constant target of threats and attempts on his life, said that receiving the award from Anne, the Princess Royal, was a “great honour.”
The 75-year-old said the award recognised a “lifetime” of work, and he described the princess as “very generous”.
Back to writing
After a recovery period from the recent assault, which was allegedly perpetrated by an Islamic extremist, the author has returned to his writing desk.
The attack left him with significant injuries and he admitted to needing considerable time for recovery.
When questioned about the anticipated completion of his next book, he replied with a light-hearted, “Oh, I’ll let you know.”
The path of recovery
In his first interview since the attack, Sir Salman spoke of his gratitude and appreciation for the vast support and assistance he received in the wake of the incident.
The Indian-born British author has lived under a persistent threat since the publication of his 1988 novel The Satanic Verses, which prompted the former supreme leader of Iran, Ruhollah Khomeini, to issue a fatwa calling for his death.
Reflecting on the recent violent incident and his subsequent recovery, Sir Salman spoke of the support he received from first responders, the medical professionals who treated him and his family.
He praised his wife, American poet Rachel Eliza Griffiths, saying: “She just took over everything, as well as having the emotional burden of my almost being killed.”
He said the lingering impact of the attack, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, had affected his writing.
“I’ve found it very, very difficult to write”, he said, but despite the hurdles he remains determined to return to his craft, understanding that the process might require patience.
Legal proceedings
His alleged attacker, 24-year-old Hadi Matar, has pleaded not guilty to attempted murder and assault charges in New York's Chautauqua County Court.
Despite the incident, Sir Salman said he is focusing on the future rather than harbouring bitterness: “What happens tomorrow is more important than what happened yesterday.”
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
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Know before you go
- Jebel Akhdar is a two-hour drive from Muscat airport or a six-hour drive from Dubai. It’s impossible to visit by car unless you have a 4x4. Phone ahead to the hotel to arrange a transfer.
- If you’re driving, make sure your insurance covers Oman.
- By air: Budget airlines Air Arabia, Flydubai and SalamAir offer direct routes to Muscat from the UAE.
- Tourists from the Emirates (UAE nationals not included) must apply for an Omani visa online before arrival at evisa.rop.gov.om. The process typically takes several days.
- Flash floods are probable due to the terrain and a lack of drainage. Always check the weather before venturing into any canyons or other remote areas and identify a plan of escape that includes high ground, shelter and parking where your car won’t be overtaken by sudden downpours.
THE BIO
Favourite car: Koenigsegg Agera RS or Renault Trezor concept car.
Favourite book: I Am Pilgrim by Terry Hayes or Red Notice by Bill Browder.
Biggest inspiration: My husband Nik. He really got me through a lot with his positivity.
Favourite holiday destination: Being at home in Australia, as I travel all over the world for work. It’s great to just hang out with my husband and family.
Tearful appearance
Chancellor Rachel Reeves set markets on edge as she appeared visibly distraught in parliament on Wednesday.
Legislative setbacks for the government have blown a new hole in the budgetary calculations at a time when the deficit is stubbornly large and the economy is struggling to grow.
She appeared with Keir Starmer on Thursday and the pair embraced, but he had failed to give her his backing as she cried a day earlier.
A spokesman said her upset demeanour was due to a personal matter.
Emergency
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THE BIO: Martin Van Almsick
Hometown: Cologne, Germany
Family: Wife Hanan Ahmed and their three children, Marrah (23), Tibijan (19), Amon (13)
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Favourite hobby: Football
Breakfast routine: a tall glass of camel milk
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