Outgoing senior aide knighted by King upon retiring from prestigious role

A former senior officer of the Household Cavalry who served as Crown Equerry for 15 years has been knighted by the King upon retiring from the role.

Colonel Toby Browne, 70, who previously served as Commander of the Household Cavalry – a role known as the "Silver Stick" – received the honour from King Charles in December during his final official audience with the sovereign.

Colonel Browne has been replaced by Colonel Erica Bridge, 52, who has become the first woman to be appointed Crown Equerry.

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A Court Circular notice posted by Buckingham Palace on 18 December announced Col Browne's knighthood.

It said: "Colonel Toby Browne was received by the King this afternoon upon relinquishing his appointment as Crown Equerry, when His Majesty conferred upon him the honour of Knighthood and invested him with the Insignia of a Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order."

Knighthoods within the Royal Victorian Order date back to 1896 and are awarded in recognition of distinguished personal service to the monarch or members of the royal family.

As a Knight Commander of the Order, Col Browne will use the post-nominal letters KCVO and will be known as Colonel Sir Toby Browne.

The role of Crown Equerry is among the most senior within the Royal Household and effectively sees the office holder act as the commanding officer of the Royal Mews, which provides vehicle transport for senior members of the Royal Family, including horse-drawn carriages.

Colonel Bridge, the King's new Crown Equerry, previously served as Defence Attaché in Rome and is a former commanding officer of King's Troop, Royal Horse Artillery.

In an email sent to former Household Cavalry soldiers, the regiment offered its "warmest congratulations" to Sir Toby, who has also previously served as chairman of the Blues and Royals Association. Best wishes were also extended to his wife, Lady Serena Browne.