Chapter 183: Preparation for the Nobel Prize

"Where will the Nobel Prize award take place?" Michael asked Juliet.

"It's at the Royal Festival Hall," she replied, checking her tablet for the details. "The ceremony starts at 4 p.m. and will run for about two hours. Afterward, there's a reception for all the laureates and their guests."

Michael nodded, noting the venue's significance. The Royal Festival Hall, with its rich history and spacious design, was a fitting location for such a prestigious event. It was known for hosting a wide range of cultural and artistic events, making it a popular choice for important ceremonies like the Nobel Prize.

But what is the Nobel Prize in the first place? Well, the Nobel Prize is a set of prestigious international awards established by Alfred Nobel, a Swedish chemist, engineer, and inventor, who is best known for inventing dynamite.

Nobel's 1895 will outline his vision for the prizes, specifying that the awards should be granted annually to individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to society. The Nobel Prizes were first awarded in 1901 and are intended to recognize outstanding achievements in various fields.

Originally, Nobel designated five categories for the prizes: Peace, Literature, Chemistry, Physics, and Physiology or Medicine. A sixth category, the Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel, was later added in 1968, although it's not considered one of the original Nobel Prizes.

Each category has its own selection committee responsible for nominating and awarding the prizes.

The Nobel Peace Prize is perhaps the most renowned of the categories, awarded to individuals or organizations that have made substantial efforts toward promoting peace and resolving conflicts. The Peace Prize is presented in Oslo, Norway, while the other prizes are awarded in Stockholm, Sweden, on December 10, the anniversary of Alfred Nobel's death.

The Nobel Prize in Literature recognizes outstanding literary work and authors' contributions to culture and society. The Nobel Prize in Chemistry honors achievements in chemical research, while the Nobel Prize in Physics acknowledges discoveries and innovations in physics. The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine is awarded for significant advancements in medical science and research.

Candidates for the Nobel Prizes are nominated by experts and institutions within each field, with the Nobel committees reviewing the nominations and selecting the winners through a rigorous evaluation process. The recipients receive a medal, a diploma, and a cash award, with the exact amount varying based on the Nobel Foundation's resources and other factors.

So is it always awarded in Sweden or Norway? Why was London picked for this particular Nobel Prize event? It turned out that the Royal Festival Hall in London was chosen due to logistical reasons. Given the high-profile attendees and the global media attention surrounding the Nobel Prizes, a larger venue was needed to accommodate the expected crowd.

The Royal Festival Hall was also better equipped for high-security events, allowing for a smoother and more controlled environment.

"Mr. Reyes, the convoy is ready, and security is in place," Carter said. "We've taken all necessary precautions. There's no one on the planet who could successfully take you out."

"I don't like how you end your words, but okay," Michael replied with a half-smile. He knew Carter took his job seriously, which was comforting in situations like these. The Nobel Prize event was high-profile, and security was a top priority.

"Sorry, sir, but I take security seriously," Carter responded with a hint of humor. "We just want to make sure you're safe. Everything's in place, and the convoy is ready when you are."

Michael nodded, feeling reassured by Carter's words. He appreciated the dedication his security team showed, even if their approach seemed a bit dramatic at times.

Juliet joined the conversation, holding her tablet. "I just got word from the Nobel committee. They want to do a brief photo op before the ceremony starts. It's nothing major, just a quick session with the other laureates. Would you be okay with that?"

"Sure, no problem," Michael said. He wasn't a big fan of photo ops, but they came with the territory. "As long as it's quick."

Juliet smiled. "It will be. They just want a few shots for the press. After that, we can focus on the ceremony and the reception later."

"Sounds good," Michael replied. "Let's stick to the schedule and make sure everything goes smoothly."

Bridget nodded in agreement. "We should start heading down in a few minutes. I think it'll be best if we leave early to avoid any last-minute delays."

"Agreed," Carter chimed in. "It's better to be early and prepared."

With the final preparations in place, Michael and his entourage gathered their belongings and prepared to leave the hotel.

"All set," Carter said as he opened the door, allowing the group to exit the hotel. "Let's move out."