Royal Victorian Order: Honors and Appointments
The Royal Victorian Order is a dynastic order of knighthood established to recognize personal services rendered to the Monarch. Unlike many other honors, appointments to this order are made at the sole discretion of the Sovereign, reflecting a unique bond of service and loyalty.
The order is structured into several distinct ranks, each denoting a different level of service and prestige. From the highest rank of Grand Cross to the foundational level of Member, these titles signify a lifetime of dedication to the Crown.
Key Facts
- The order is awarded for personal service to the Monarch.
- It consists of five primary levels of membership.
- Appointments are made directly by the Sovereign.
- Recipients are entitled to use specific post-nominal letters (e.g., GCVO, DCVO).
The Hierarchy of the Royal Victorian Order
The order is divided into classes that determine the title and honors bestowed upon the recipient. These range from senior knighthoods to junior memberships.
Dame Grand Cross (GCVO)
The highest rank within the order is the Dame Grand Cross (or Knight Grand Cross). A notable recipient of this honor is Patricia, Dowager Viscountess Hambleden.
Dame Commander and Knight Commander (DCVO and KCVO)
The second tier consists of Commanders. This includes the Dame Commander (DCVO), held by Frances Olivia Campbell-Preston, and the Knight Commander (KCVO), held by Major Arthur John Stewart Griffin.
Commander (CVO)
The rank of Commander (CVO) is awarded to those who have provided significant service. Recipients include Major George Raymond Seymour and Charles Murray Kennedy St. Clair, Lord Sinclair.
Lieutenant (LVO)
The rank of Lieutenant (LVO) recognizes dedicated service at a senior operational level. Ian George Gill is a recipient of this honor.
Member (MVO)
The foundational rank is that of Member (MVO). An example of a recipient in this category is Captain Giles Anthony Caybourne Bassett of the Irish Guards.
Summary of Appointments
| Rank | Post-nominal | Recipient(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Dame Grand Cross | GCVO | Patricia, Dowager Viscountess Hambleden |
| Dame Commander | DCVO | Frances Olivia Campbell-Preston |
| Knight Commander | KCVO | Major Arthur John Stewart Griffin |
| Commander | CVO | Major George Raymond Seymour, Lord Sinclair |
| Lieutenant | LVO | Ian George Gill |
| Member | MVO | Captain Giles Anthony Caybourne Bassett |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Royal Victorian Order?
It is an order of knighthood used to recognize individuals who have provided personal service to the Monarch of the United Kingdom.
What does GCVO stand for?
GCVO stands for Dame Grand Cross or Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order, the highest rank in the order.
Who decides who receives these honors?
Unlike other honors that may be recommended by the government, the Royal Victorian Order is granted at the sole discretion of the Sovereign.
What are post-nominal letters?
Post-nominal letters are abbreviations placed after a person's name to indicate their rank or membership in an order, such as CVO or LVO.
Is the Royal Victorian Order open to military personnel?
Yes, as evidenced by recipients such as Major Arthur John Stewart Griffin and Captain Giles Anthony Caybourne Bassett.