King Charles has given a huge new promotion to Sir Timothy Laurence, the husband of Princess Anne, in recognition of his long and loyal service.

Sir Timothy, 70, is not only known as the Princess Royal’s supportive spouse but is also widely respected as a retired senior Royal Navy officer and trusted member of the royal household. Now, his decades of dedication have been marked with one of the highest honours the Crown can bestow.

Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order

According to the Court Circular, King Charles personally invested Sir Timothy last week on August 21 at Balmoral Castle in Scotland. The Princess Royal’s husband received the insignia of a Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order (GCVO), the highest grade within the order founded by Queen Victoria in 1896.

This new honour makes Sir Timothy the first member of the royal family to be awarded a GCVO since Princess Kate, who received it from Queen Elizabeth II in 2019. The recognition is believed to be a deeply personal gesture from King Charles, honouring Sir Timothy’s many years of loyal service and unwavering support to the monarchy.