King Charles expresses his appreciation for Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby and other key figures from his Coronation by including them in the New Year Honours list.

Recognition for Exceptional Contributions

The recent Coronation ceremony held significant meaning for many involved in its orchestration. King’s gratitude extended beyond the expected circles, honoring various individuals pivotal in ensuring the event’s success. Among those distinguished is the Most Reverend Justin Welby, aged 67, recognized for his dedicated ‘personal service’ to the Crown. His induction into the Royal Victorian Order, as a Knight Commander (GCVO), marks a rare acknowledgment for a serving leader of the Church of England. This distinction, revealed by the Daily Mail earlier this month, underlines Welby’s notable role in May’s Coronation.

Historical Significance and Honors

This recognition holds historical weight, echoing an event of a similar nature dating back to 1953 when Geoffrey Fisher, the previous Archbishop of Canterbury, received similar accolades for crowning the late Queen Elizabeth. The list of individuals acknowledged for their contributions at the Coronation spans various roles, encompassing figures like David Michael Hoyle, appointed Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order (LVO), and Sir Antonio Pappano, the conductor of the Coronation Orchestra, now Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (CVO).

Diverse Contributions Acknowledged

The array of honorees extends beyond prominent figures to include craftsmen like crown jeweller Mark Appleby, music advisors David Whelton and James Williams, as well as individuals like Barry James Whearty, the Windsor Crown Estate painter and decorator, and Timothy Rayson, the axe keeper of the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen at Arms. The diversity in acknowledgments showcases the extensive range of services and roles contributing to the success of the Coronation.

Royal Victorian Order: A Symbol of Distinction

The Royal Victorian Order, established in 1896 by Queen Victoria, stands as a testament to distinguished personal service to the sovereign. Appointments within this order, often announced during the New Year and Birthday Honours lists, encompass a wide spectrum of service to the Royal Family. With its five membership grades, including the esteemed Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order (GCVO) and Knight Commander (KCVO), holders are entitled to specific titles and the use of specific letters after their names.

Traditions and Formalities

The nuances within the order dictate the usage of titles and styling, where clergy members appointed to higher ranks refrain from adopting the ‘Sir’ title in their day-to-day activities. The ceremonial aspects, including badge placements and wearing protocols for knights, vary based on the order’s grade, preserving age-old traditions and formalities associated with these esteemed distinctions. For Dr. Welby, despite his recent induction, the adoption of the ‘Sir’ title may be deferred until a later time, in line with the customary practices observed within the Royal Victorian Order.