The Duke of Edinburgh joined his wife, Her Majesty The Queen, for a rare engagement at Balmoral Castle on Monday.
Prince Philip, who retired from public duties in 2017, conducted the engagement at his Scottish residence where he honoured a longtime member of staff.
As reported in the Court Circular, The Queen and Prince Philip received Paul Hughes at Balmoral where Her Majesty invested him with the Insignia of a Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order.
Mr Hughes has been a key member of Prince Philip’s team, having held the position of Chief Clerk and accountant.
Royal Victorian Orders (RVOs) are awarded at The Queen’s own dispensation and are given to individuals who have served the monarchy with dedication.
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.
The order is comprised of the following classes:
· Knight/Dame Grand Cross
· Knight/Dame Commander
· Commander
· Lieutenant
· Member
The head of the Order is the Sovereign, below which there are officer roles: Grand Master; Chancellor; Secretary; Registrar and Chaplain.
