The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s housekeeper is among those named in The Queen’s Birthday Honours recognising her personal services to the monarch.
Antonella Fresolone, who looks after the Cambridge Family’s domestic arrangements at Kensington Palace, has been awarded an Honorary Royal Victorian Medal.
Unlike most honours in the list, Royal Victorian Orders (RVOs) are awarded at The Queen’s own dispensation independent from Downing Street.
Individuals are honoured with RVOs to mark those who have served the monarchy with dedication.
Antonella Fresolone is originally from Italy and took up her position with the Cambridges in 2013.
Prior to this she was one of The Queen’s senior housemaids and has worked for The Royal Family for over a decade.
Also recognised in the 2019 Birthday Honours is Clive Alderton, Principal Private Secretary to the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall, who is made a Commander of the RVO.
Mr Alderton was Private Secretary to the couple from 2006 to 2012 before becoming an ambassador to Morocco.
He recently returned to Clarence House to take up his current role and is being honoured for the service he has given to the monarchy.
Many other members of staff at the Royal Household are also being honoured, including chefs, gardeners and protection officers.
Sergeant John De-Bolla and Police Constable John Pritty of the Metropolitan Police have both been made Members of the Royal Victorian Order for services to royalty and specialist protection.
The Royal Victorian Order was created in April 1896 by Queen Victoria, who wished to formally recognise those who had personally served her. The official chapel of the Order, since 1938, has been the Queen’s Chapel of the Savoy, London. This is now too small to hold the number of people who attend the service, so it is now held at St George’s Chapel. Living citizens from any of the Commonwealth realms can be appointed to the order.
