George Osborne was today presented with the Companion of Honour by The Duke of Cambridge during an investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace.
The former Chancellor of the Exchequer was chosen to receive the honour by former Prime Minister David Cameron on his controversial resignation honours list.
The Prime Minister’s Resignation Honours are granted by Her Majesty the Queen at the request of an outgoing Prime Minister. 46 individuals were named on Mr Cameron’s resignation list, including Cabinet Ministers, Downing Street staff and other politicians.
Other former Cabinet Ministers receiving an honour include Chairman of the Conservative Party Patrick Mcloughlin and former Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Oliver Letwin, who will both receive knighthoods.
George Osborne served as UK Chancellor for six years under the Cameron ministry and First Secretary of State for one year. However, he was sacked from both positions when Theresa May took office on 2o16.
The Order of the Companions of Honour is an honour very rarely awarded as only 65 people are limited to receiving it. The award is given for service of significant national importance. Recipients, such as Mr Osborne, may now write the initials CH after their name.
Other people being bestowed with honours at Buckingham Palace today include actor Dame Penelope Wilton, famous for her roles in Downton Abbey and The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel among others. She is being made a Dame Commander for services to drama.
Janet Ellis, a former Blue Peter has been awarded an MBE for services to charities and theatre alongside actor, Adil Ray, who is being made an OBE for services to broadcasting.
