The King’s New Year’s Honours list has been unveiled, recognizing the men and women who played crucial roles in the success of King Charles’s coronation earlier this year.
The list encompasses a wide range of individuals, from the orchestra conductor who orchestrated the ceremony’s music to the clerk responsible for organizing the seating plan at Westminster Abbey.
It even includes the police officers entrusted with ensuring security and the Archbishop of Canterbury.
However, one notable absence from the list has raised eyebrows among royal observers.
Edward FitzAlan Howard, the 18th Duke of Norfolk, who masterminded both the King’s coronation and Queen Elizabeth’s funeral, was widely expected to be honored.
This omission may come as a surprise, particularly since he was also overlooked in Charles’s birthday honours last June.
Reports suggest that there was tension between the Duke and the King during the planning stages.
It is believed that the Duke, the highest-ranking peer in the country, pushed for unwelcome reforms aimed at modernizing the coronation, which didn’t sit well with Charles.
Additionally, the Duke faced criticism for a six-month driving ban he received after being caught using a mobile phone while driving and running a red light.
Despite this setback, insiders claim that there may still be hope for the Duke.
Speculation suggests that he may have to wait a few months before receiving any honors.
In an attempt to avoid his driving ban, the Duke argued that he needed his license to organize the King’s coronation, leading some to view him as a liability.
It is possible that he could be considered for the Order of the Garter, an honor previously bestowed upon his grandfather, the 16th Duke of Norfolk.
Traditionally, this honor is awarded on St George’s Day, which falls on April 23.
Although the Duke may feel snubbed, King Charles expressed his gratitude to him in a heartfelt letter, acknowledging his instrumental role in organizing the coronation.
Last year, the Duke, who had a close relationship with the late Queen, announced the end of his 34-year marriage to Georgina, the mother of his five children.
Three months later, he remarried Francesca Herbert, the former wife of Harry Herbert, son of the 7th Earl of Carnarvon.
In addition to the Duke’s absence, the New Year’s honours list includes several prominent figures from the public sphere.
Notable recipients include Michael Eavis, the founder of the renowned Glastonbury Festival, Emilia Clarke, the acclaimed actress known for her role in Game of Thrones, Tim Martin, the founder of J.D.