The Duke of Kent’s long-serving Private Secretary has been awarded a royal honour by the King in a poignant appointment made just days before his death.
Two days later, on September 18, the Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood announced that the King had appointed Mr Turnbull a Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order (LVO).
However, the official announcement makes clear that the appointment was dated September 14.
This means that the honour was made posthumously, with Turnbull having died two days after the date of his appointment.
The official notice from the Central Chancery at St James’s Palace states: “The King has been graciously pleased to give orders for the following appointment to the Royal Victorian Order.”
Under the heading for LVOs, it names:
“Nicholas Piers TURNBULL, M.B.E., Private Secretary to The Duke of Kent.”
It then adds: “(To be dated 14 September 2026)”.
Turnbull’s death came just two days later.
The circumstances of his death have not been disclosed.
The LVO is awarded for distinguished personal service to members of the Royal Family, making the honour particularly significant given Turnbull’s role within the Duke’s household.
He joined the Duke’s private office in 2019 and remained closely involved in his royal duties.
Turnbull was with the Duke as recently as July, when the pair attended Wimbledon and watched proceedings from the Royal Box.
His death comes as the Duke, who celebrates his 91st birthday today, continues to adjust to the death of his wife, Katharine, Duchess of Kent, who died in September 2025.
