The Unforgettable Experience: An MBE Investiture at Windsor Castle
As the King was unable to conduct this investiture, he was represented by The Princess Royal who entered the Investiture attended by two King’s Gurkha Orderly Officers and a detachment of the King’s Bodyguard of the Yeomen of the Guard. Lady and Gentleman Ushers to the Princess Royal were on duty to help look after the recipients and their guests. Music was provided by the Countess of Wessex’s String Orchestra.
The Princess Royal was escorted by the Lord Chamberlain who after the National Anthem had been played, stood to the right of her Royal Highness and announced the name of each recipient and the achievement for which he or she is being decorated. The Princess Royal took the Decoration from a velvet cushion held by a senior member of the Household. The Secretary of the Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood is responsible for ensuring the correct Decoration is placed on the cushion. Her Highness was also attended by the Equerry in Waiting who reminded the Princess Royal of each recipient as he or she approached. The Medal was then attached to a holder previously positioned on the left breast of my suit. The Central Chancery of the Order of Knighthood, which is a department of the Lord Chamberlain’s Office, was responsible for the impressive organisation of each Investiture.
The perfection of the organization of the investiture event and being given the opportunity to have an exchange with the Princess Royal in an astonishingly stunning decor will stay with me for the rest of my life.
My nomination has filled me with a strong sense of pride and I would like to thank all of you involved in putting me forward for such an honour.
Roger HAIGH MBE
President of the Franco-British Network