Desmond Tutu's already a Nobel winner.

Now he's added the 1.7 million dollar Templeton Prize to his list of accolades.

The award was established by U.S.-born investor and philanthropist John Templeton.

His daughter handed over the award at a ceremony in London.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) JOHN TEMPLETON FOUNDATION TRUSTEE, HEATHER TEMPLETON DILL, SAYING:

"Although my father cannot be with us today, he wanted to contribute to the celebration in order to honour Archbishop Tutu - a humble and inspiring entrepreneur of the spirit, whose life and work captured the ideals Sir John hoped to promote through the giving of this prize."

The award honours those who make an exceptional contribution to "affirming life's spiritual dimension".

Tutu fought against apartheid and is a prominent campaigner for peace and human rights.

Tutu's daughter and grandchildren were there to see him collect the award.

The first winner was Mother Theresa in 1973.