Daniel Craig’s role as honorary Royal Navy commander saved by The Sun after top brass planned to axe position

JAMES Bond star Daniel Craig was set to be axed as an honorary Royal Navy officer – until his role was saved by The Sun. The actor was awarded the rank of commander, same as the fictional 007, by the head of the Navy in 2021. 007 icon Daniel Craig was set to be axed as an honorary Royal Navy officer – until his role was saved by The Sun Credit: EPA Craig, 58, arrived by boat with Marines for his unveiling as the new Bond in 2005 Credit: PA:Press Association But new chief General Sir Gwyn Jenkins threw a number of honorary officer titles overboard. Other high-profile names to be sunk included TV presenters Bear Grylls and Dan Snow. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! When The Sun stepped in to ask the Navy about Craig’s position, insiders said “no decision has been made”. But 24 hours later they said he could keep the rank. The culls have sparked fury among Royal Navy backers. Others getting the chop include Honorary Captain Adam Gosling, heir to the National Car Parks fortune whose foundation donated £25million to restore Nelson’s flagship HMS Victory. A source said: “Pushing out the Navy’s most loyal supporters has gone down like a warm fish milkshake.” Craig, 58, arrived by boat with Marines for his unveiling as the new Bond in 2005. Most read in The Sun And he was, appointed commander after his final 007 movie No Time To Die in 2021 featured a Royal Navy destroyer HMS Dragon. At the time, he said he felt “truly privileged and honoured”. Navy insiders insisted Gen Jenkins was merely enforcing a long-standing rule that honorary officers serve six years before the position is reviewed. One said: “It all depends on the First Sea Lord’s discretion.” Comment now