Royal honor for Alexander

His Royal Highness Prince Charles honored Rice Space Institute Director David Alexander, a professor of physics and astronomy, as an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire on Nov. 21 at Buckingham Palace in London. Alexander’s appointment was part of the Queen’s Birthday Honours List, which recognizes exceptional achievement and service to the U.K. He was honored for service to higher education and to the space industry at home and abroad. (Photo by Yui Mok/PA)