Last week, Sir Tim Laurence was received by The King at Balmoral Castle to be awarded a new honour: that of Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order.
The rank of Knight Grand Cross is often reserved for distinguished Royals, courtiers, and military leaders who have devoted years of faithful service.
Sir Tim was previously appointed a Knight Commander of the Order in June 2011, and a Member back in 1989, so has been given a ‘promotion’ with this third recognition.
Others who have been awarded the honour of Knight Grand Cross include The Duke of Kent and The Duke of Gloucester, who were awarded by Elizabeth II in 1960 and 1974 respectively.
The Royal Victorian Order, established in 1896 by Queen Victoria, is awarded at the Monarch’s discretion to individuals who have given exceptional personal service to the Sovereign, members of the Royal Family, or the royal household.
His promotion means that Tim will now wear the order’s badge on a collar (chain) for formal occasions or a sash that is blue with red-white-red stripe edging passing from the right shoulder and a breast star, instead of the badge on a neck ribbon.
You might remember some members of the Royal Family – including Sophie and Catherine – wore their vivid RVO insignia to the Coronation in 2023.
Sir Tim will use the post-nominal letters GCVO from hereon out.
Much of Sir Tim’s life has been devoted to service, having started his career as a Royal Navy officer, becoming a Captain in 1995, and rising to Vice Admiral in 2007. The King’s brother-in-law finished his service as Chief Executive of the Defence Estates Organisation, managing the buildings and property portfolio of the armed forces, before retiring in 2011.
His early association with royal service included serving as equerry to Elizabeth II from 1986-1989, which is where he met Princess Anne. The late Queen appointed him as a personal Aide de Camp (advisor) in 2004, and made him a Companion of the Order of the Bath three years later for his naval service, which still outranks his GVCO.
Anne and Tim would marry in Scotland in 1992
, accompanying her to some royal engagements and overseas visits for the last 30 years.
Tim has involvement with a few charitable organisations, but is not a working Royal – similar to Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie. His current affiliations include being Chairman of the Science Museum Group and a Trustee of the the famous HMS Victory Preservation Company.
He previously served as Chairman of the English Heritage Trust 2015-2022, and Vice-Chairman of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission until 2019.
