Ahead of his Coronation on 6 May 23, His Majesty King Charles has bestowed a rare set of honours upon those who held important roles during the preparations and funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Known as the Honours List on The Demise of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the list of promotions and appointments to the Royal Victorian Order is published in the London Gazette on 25 March 2023 and includes both civilians and serving personnel.
Personnel from across the Armed Forces played a key role in the funeral and preceding days of Her Majesty lying at rest in Scotland and London, providing the Guard of Honour, Bearer Party, Pall Bearers, musicians, horsemen and women, and countless personnel behind the scenes from all ranks and roles.
The State Funeral of Her Majesty at Westminster Abbey saw soldiers, sailors and airmen, both long-served and fresh out of training give one last act of love and dedication to their late Commander in Chief. It was a role the Armed Forces had prepared for over many years.
Find out more about the Army’s role in the funeral procession of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth: Service personnel lead State Funeral procession of Her Majesty The Queen
Thank you for the music
Lieutenant Colonel David Barringer MBE, Commanding Officer of The Bands of the Household Division, becomes a Member of the Royal Victorian Order (MVO). He was responsible for leading and assuring all military music elements across the State Funeral and says it was “the most challenging but certainly most rewarding moment in my military career.”
He said: “Becoming a Member of the Royal Victorian Order is particularly humbling as it recognises personal service to the Sovereign, and I feel that I am receiving it for each and every member of the Household Division Bands, recognising the critical part that they play in support of the Monarch.”
Lt Col Barringer took command of Household Division Bands, becoming principal musical advisor to the Joint Military Commander at the same time, just four days before Her Majesty died. He brought with him 33 years of experience as a military musician, much of which had been spent delivering State events.
“Conducting the Fanfare Team at Westminster Abbey and leading the Massed Tri-Service Band in the final Royal Salute at Wellington Arch for the State Funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was a huge honour,” he said.
“I am hugely grateful to the amazing team that I have the privilege of leading at Household Division Bands for their support and guidance throughout the preparation and delivery of Op London Bridge.”
