Princess Anne's husband Timothy Laurence to display new honour from King Charles alongside Donald Trump

King Charles delivers speech at State Banquet for French President Emmanuel Macron in July

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GB NEWS

Marcus Donaldson

By Marcus Donaldson


Published: 29/08/2025

- 17:13

President Donald Trump will travel to the UK for an unprecedented second State Visit from September 17 to 19

Princess Anne’s husband, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, will display his new honour from King Charles at the State Banquet hosted at Windsor Castle for US President Donald Trump.

Sir Tim, 70, was given one of the highest ranks in the Royal Victorian Order by his brother-in-law earlier this month, an official notice published in the Court Circular confirmed.


King Charles invested Sir Tim with the Insignia of a Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order (GCVO), a significant promotion within the institution, at a ceremony at Balmoral Castle on August 21.

Founded by Queen Victoria in 1896, the Royal Victorian Order is granted personally by the monarch to recognise distinguished service to the Sovereign or the Royal Family.

\u200bVice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, Princess Anne

Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, Princess Anne’s husband, will debut his new honour from King Charles at the State Banquet for President Donald Trump next month

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CHRIS JACKSON/GETTY

Sir Tim is the first member of the Royal Family to be awarded the GCVO since Princess Kate received the honour from Queen Elizabeth II in 2019.

The former naval officer is said to be “honoured and delighted” by the gesture from the sovereign.

It has now been revealed that Sir Tim will debut the badge of his office while attending the State Banquet for President Donald Trump during the US leader’s State Visit next month.

The insignia of the GCVO is a white enamel Maltese cross with gold edging, set in an eight-pointed silver star.

\u200bVice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, Princess Anne

Sir Tim was invested as Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order (GCVO) by King Charles in April

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GETTY

Within the central medallion of the cross is the Royal Cypher of Queen Victoria on a red background and surrounded by a blue ring bearing the motto of the order: “Victoria (victory)”.

The insignia is accompanied by a blue ribbon or sash featuring red-white-red striped edging.

On certain formal occasions, Knights and Dames Grand Cross wear the cross around their collar suspended from the Order's chain.

Alternatively, the GCVO is worn pinned on a sash passing from the right shoulder to the left hip.

Kate Middleton, Prince Harry

The GCVO white cross can be worn with its blue, white and red ribbon or sash in different ways, as seen on Princess Kate and Prince Harry

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GETTY

It is not yet known what manner Sir Tim will wear his new honour when he debuts it at the State Banquet next month.

Sir Tim married the Princess Royal in 1992 and is widely respected both as a retired senior Royal Navy officer and as a trusted member of the royal household.

His new appointment as Knight Grand Cross is viewed as a personal gesture of esteem from the King, acknowledging his years of loyal service and quiet dedication.

His Royal Navy career, which included serving as equerry to Queen Elizabeth II, along with his consistent support of Princess Anne during official duties, has reinforced his reputation for discretion and reliability.

\u200bVice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, Princess Anne

Princess Anne and Sir Tim will be present at the State Banquet from President Trump during his September visit

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GETTY

President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump will travel to the UK for an unprecedented second state visit from September 17 to 19.

As part of the trip, they will be treated to a banquet in the grand surroundings of St George's Hall in Windsor Castle.

Around 150 guests usually attend the lavish evening event at the monarch's invitation, with Princess Anne and Sir Tim also in attendance.

The State Banquet has sparked controversy elsewhere as Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey has vowed to boycott the banquet in protest of President Trump.