August M
King Charles has revealed his New Year’s Honours list for 2026, recognising contributions across public life as well as years of behind-the-scenes service within the Royal Household.
Alongside high-profile figures from the arts and media, several royal staff members have been acknowledged for long-standing dedication to duty.
Damehood awarded
Charlotte Manley has been appointed a Dame Commander of the Royal Victorian Order, an honour granted personally by the monarch for service to the Royal Family.
The award recognises her work across multiple senior roles over several decades. The Express reported that the honour follows her retirement earlier this year from a key ceremonial post at Windsor.
Royal Victorian honours are distinct from other awards, as they are given at the sovereign’s discretion rather than on government advice.
Royal roles
Manley served as Private Secretary and Treasurer to the former Duke of York between 2001 and 2003.
During that period, she frequently accompanied Prince Andrew on overseas trips when he was acting as the UK’s special representative for trade and investment.
Court Circular entries from the time regularly listed her alongside the Duke during foreign visits and official travel.
According to the Express, these trips included visits to New York, Bulgaria, Brazil, Peru, Canada and the Falkland Islands.
Service background
Before joining royal service, Manley spent two decades in the Royal Navy from 1976 to 1996.
Her career included time as an exchange officer with the United States Navy in Rhode Island and service aboard HMS Bristol, where she was among the first women to serve at sea in the Royal Navy.
She was promoted to Commander in 1993 and later worked on the staff of the Second Sea Lord and Commander-in-Chief Naval Home Command.
She later held a short-term role in the Cabinet Office before taking up royal appointments.
Windsor chapter
After stepping down from her role with Prince Andrew in 2003, Manley became Chapter Clerk of St George’s Chapel in Windsor.
She remained in the post until her retirement, which was announced in October. The honour recognises her achievements during that tenure, the Express reported.
This is not the first time her work has been acknowledged. She was appointed an OBE in 1996, an LVO in 2003 and a CVO in 2018.
Sources: Express
