Investitures back as Prince of Wales hands out honours at St James’s Palace

On Wednesday, the Prince of Wales held the first group investiture ceremony at St James’s Place since the pandemic began. The Prince honoured 32 recipients from across the UK, recognising them for their outstanding achievements, personal bravery, and services to the UK and British Overseas Territories. Investitures happen twice a year by the Cabinet Office and are hosted by The Queen, the Prince of Wales, the Duke of Cambridge, and on occasion, The Princess Royal.

Scaled back because of the global health crisis, the Prince presented honours to 32 recipients, including the CEO of the environmental charity, Keep Britain Tidy, Allison Ogden-Newton. Other people honoured Wednesday include Susan Williams, a matron at The Chelsea Pensioners who has helped care for pensioners during the pandemic as well as Professor Jeremy Pearson, the Associated Medical Director of the British Heart Foundation, and Rajinder Harzall, who was awarded for their services to health and fitness and raising nearly £15,000 for the NHS.

Rather than the usual 100 guests, each recipient was allowed to bring one guest. Other changes to this year’s event include the insignia being collected by the recipients from a cushion rather than the Prince pinning it on. Those honoured with knighthoods and MBEs also had to wear face masks as they moved around the palace. They were allowed to remove their face coverings in the Throne Room, where the actual ceremony took place.

Those attending were required to bring proof of a negative COVID test to ensure entry as well as a temperature check upon arrival. “The arrangements have been made in full consultation with Public Health England and Government to ensure they are COVID compliant, in line with current guidelines,’” a Buckingham Palace spokeswoman said.

Last March, The Queen wore gloves for the first time at a palace investiture when the total number of people diagnosed with COVID in the UK was 51. At the time, the World Health Organisation was advising people over the age of 60 to avoid crowded areas.