Bill Gates was awarded an honorary knighthood by Britain's Queen Elizabeth II today. The Queen pronounced the Microsoft co-founder a “Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire” for his contributions to business and to healthcare throughout the British Commonwealth.

Gates, a fierce foe of the open source movement that has empowered many developing nations to enter the computing era, received the honor for contributions to improving health and reducing poverty in parts of the Commonwealth and elsewhere in the developing world. Gates was also recognized for his contribution to enterprise, employment, education, and the voluntary sector in the U.K., Microsoft said, in a statement.

Learn more about Bill Gates's new exalted status, and read excerpts from his post-ceremony statement, by reading the full story at WindowsForDevices.com.