The King awards Sir Tim Laurence with a major promotion

Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence has been awarded one of the highest honours in the Royal Victorian Order by King Charles III, according to an official notice published in the Court Circular.

In a ceremony held at Balmoral Castle on August 21, His Majesty invested Sir Tim with the Insignia of a Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order (GCVO), marking a significant promotion within the order. The Royal Victorian Order is conferred personally by the monarch to recognise distinguished personal service to the Sovereign or the royal family.

Sir Tim, 70, is the husband of Princess Anne, the Princess Royal, and has long held a respected position within royal circles, both as a senior retired Royal Navy officer and as a close and trusted member of the family. His new appointment as a Knight Grand Cross is seen as a personal gesture of esteem from the King, highlighting his years of loyal service and quiet dedication.

The Royal Victorian Order was established by Queen Victoria in 1896 and is unique among honours in that it is given at the sole discretion of the reigning monarch. The grade of Knight Grand Cross is the highest rank within the order, typically reserved for individuals who have demonstrated exceptional devotion over many years.

The highest place of precedence in the Royal Victorian Order is the Knight Grand Cross and the Dame Grand Cross. Individuals who hold this title, such as Sir Tim, can use GCVO after their name. 

Sir Tim’s promotion comes amid a broader reshaping of royal roles under King Charles’s reign, which has seen a greater emphasis on streamlining the monarchy while reinforcing key relationships within it. His career in the Royal Navy, including time as equerry to Queen Elizabeth II, and his continued work alongside the Princess Royal on official engagements, have made him a figure of consistency and discretion.

No public statement was made following the ceremony, in keeping with Sir Tim’s characteristic low profile.