Shropshire soldier who delivers iconic royal moments reveals pride at OBE
A Shropshire soldier, responsible for delivering ceremonial aspects of royal events such as the coronation, has revealed he discovered he was to be given an OBE on the same day he enjoyed a personal audience with King Charles.
Garrison Sergeant Major Andrew 'Vern' Stokes, from Madeley, was fittingly announced to have been awarded an OBE, for his dedication to London District Ceremonial duties, on the day of the Trooping the Colour ceremony at Horse Guards Parade in Whitehall.
But GSM Stokes, of the Coldstream Guards, had discovered the news the previous week while having an afternoon tea – on the same day he met the King.
"My partner Sue and I were honoured to have had a private audience with the King," he said. "It was a personal thank you from the King to me and to Sue for supporting me, and we had half an hour with him in his sitting room in Buckingham Palace.
"We chatted about the events we had delivered and it was just a lovely time in his presence.
"Sue then treated me to a lovely afternoon tea in London and I took a work call saying I was to be included on the Birthday Honours List so it was a special day.
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"I then told my family on Friday about the news, as they all came down for dinner in London. It was wonderful to share it with them all at the same time.
