Two of the most trusted women in the households of the Princess Royal and Duchess of Edinburgh have been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours.
Annabelle Galletley, Assistant Private Secretary and Lady-in-Waiting to the Duchess of Edinburgh, has been appointed a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (CVO), while Leonora, Countess of Lichfield, has been made a Dame Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (DCVO).
The Royal Victorian Order is a personal gift of the Sovereign and is awarded to those who have provided distinguished service to the Monarch and the Royal Family.
Mrs Galletley is one of the longest-serving members of the Duchess of Edinburgh’s household, having worked alongside Sophie for more than three decades. She has remained a constant presence throughout the Duchess’s royal career, accompanying her on engagements in the UK and overseas while also playing a key role behind the scenes in the running of her private office.
Her promotion to Commander follows an earlier appointment as a Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order in 2014, recognising her years of dedicated service to the Royal Household.
The Countess of Lichfield, meanwhile, has been elevated to Dame Commander of the Royal Victorian Order.
Lady Lichfield has long-standing ties to the Royal Family. She was married to the late Patrick Lichfield, the renowned photographer and cousin of Queen Elizabeth II, and has remained closely connected to royal and charitable circles.
The honours underline the importance the King places on recognising the contribution of those who serve the Royal Family away from the spotlight.
Unlike many honours awarded on the advice of ministers, appointments within the Royal Victorian Order are made personally by the Sovereign and reflect individual service to the Crown and Royal Household.
Several other members of the Royal Household were also recognised in this year’s Birthday Honours, including Dr Robert Hywel Thomas, the King’s Clinical Radiologist, who was appointed a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order, and Jacqueline Fergusson, Royal Florist to the Royal Household, who received the Royal Victorian Order.
