TV naturalist David Attenborough has received the prestigious Order of Merit award from Queen Elizabeth II.

The order is a special distinction awarded by the queen to people who have shown exceptional merit in the arts, learning, literature and science or public service.

"How could anyone believe they actually deserved something like this?" Attenborough said. "I can only think that it is because I have been able to reach so many people through television."

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The award was presented Friday at Buckingham Palace.

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