Former Armed Forces boss is honoured as King Charles reflects on 'difficult time'
Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, who served as Chief of the Defence Staff from December 2021 until September last year, was made a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire in a ceremony.
King Charles awarded the honour to Adm Sir Tony at Windsor Castle, with the other recipients attending investitures.
The Knight Grand Cross (GCVO) recognises a wide variety of service to the sovereign and the royal family, according to the Cabinet Office.
An investiture ceremony is an event where the King or another member of the royal family hands over the honour to the recipient at one of the royal palaces, including Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
King reflects on relationship with allies during 'difficult time'
The King reflected on the UK's relationship with its allies at a "difficult time" amid the Iran war, the former head of the UK's Armed Forces said.
Following the ceremony, Adm Sir Tony said: "He reflected on my service, and I reflected on his support to the Armed Forces, and how grateful I am for all that he and the royal family do for us.
"And unsurprisingly, we also talked about some of the world events of today and what's going on.
"We reflected on what is going on in the Middle East and the relationship that we have with our Gulf allies, and obviously, the relationship that we have with our allies, and that this is clearly a difficult time."
'Extraordinary' relationship between Armed Forces and royals
Adm Sir Tony described the relationship between the royal family and the Armed Forces as "extraordinary" and said their visits improve morale.
The former First Sea Lord said: "I think it's an extraordinary relationship that we enjoy, I'd like to say, that we both enjoy.
"I think the Armed Forces really covet their relationship with the royal family and with His Majesty the King.
"We recognise the interest that the royal family takes in us, and that is reflective of the Armed Forces' relationship with the nation.
"That's what it symbolises, that's what it signifies, and that's why it's so important."
King Charles' state visit to the USA
Buckingham Palace has announced that the King's visit to the USA will go ahead in April as planned, despite US president Donald Trump's criticisms levelled at the UK for not supporting his war with Iran.
The visit will celebrate the historic connections and the modern relationship between London and Washington as the US marks the 250th anniversary of American independence.
Elsewhere, the King will go on to Bermuda as he goes on his first royal visit to a British Overseas Territory as monarch.
Related topics
Join Our Newsletter
