Britain's Queen Elizabeth presents Microsoft chairman and philanthropist Bill Gates with an honorary knighthood at Buckingham Palace, London, March 2, 2005. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

Britain's Queen Elizabeth stands with Microsoft chairman and philanthropist Bill Gates after presenting him with an honorary knighthood at Buckingham Palace, London, March 2, 2005.(Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

    BEIJING, March. 3 -- Bill Gates, Microsoft chairman and philanthropist, on Wednesday received an honorary knighthood from Britain's Queen Elizabeth, recognizing his efforts to help improve health and reduce poverty in the developing world.

    Gates, who is one of the world's richest men, said outside Buckingham Palace that the title KBE (Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) had been awarded in recognition of his contributions to both business and charity.

    During the brief ceremony, the Queen and Mr Gates talked about computers, travel and the work of his charitable foundation. Although the Duke of Edinburgh is known to be fond of technology, the Queen does not use a computer.

    "She said all the kids do (use computers) and they are very useful ... but typing is not as natural for her as it is for young people," Gates told reporters from beneath a black umbrella sheltering him from the London rain.

    The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which has an endowment of about $28 billion and has so far committed $4.9 billion to good causes, aims to improve the health of people in the developing world. Enditem

(Agencies)