The Queen appoints former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Don McKinnon, as GCVO

Published

THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT IS ISSUED BY THE PRESS SECRETARY TO THE QUEEN

The Queen has been pleased to appoint former Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Right Honourable Don McKinnon, as Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order (GCVO) in recognition of his outstanding service as Secretary-General of the Commonwealth.

Awards in the Royal Victorian Order are made personally by The Queen for services to the Sovereign.

Background

Don McKinnon served as the Commonwealth Secretary-General for eight years from 2000 to 2008. He was elected at the November 1999 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Durban, South Africa, following a 21-year career in New Zealand politics. After being elected to Parliament in 1978, Don McKinnon was New Zealand’s longest serving Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Don McKinnon also holds the Order of New Zealand, New Zealand’s highest honour.

On appointment of the GCVO, he will officially be titled: Sir Donald McKinnon GCVO ONZ.

Related content

The Queen’s Speech at the State Banquet in honour of the President of the Republic of Colombia

I am sure of a shared, bright future for both of our countries as long-standing allies working together towards global peace and prosperity

01 November 2016
Feature

The Winners: The Queen's Awards for Enterprise 2016

Find out more about some of the 2016 Queen's Awards for Enterprise winners...

The Queen's address to the Scottish Parliament, 2nd July 2016

It is a pleasure to be invited to address you on this special occasion to mark the opening of the fifth session of the Scottish Parliament

02 July 2016

A speech by The Queen at the opening of the Fifth Session of the National Assembly for Wales

The Assembly can be proud of the way it has engaged with a broad audience across Wales and beyond

07 June 2016

A speech by The Queen at the Royal Artillery Tercentenary Parade on 26th May, 2016

The Royal Regiment of Artillery has since 1716 proudly served the Nation all over the World and I wish all Gunners every success and good fortune in the future

26 May 2016
Press release 20 May 2016

The Queen's Medal for Music 2015

Read more
News

Royal Maundy Service 2016

24 March 2016
Feature

The Coronation: history and ceremonial

The coronation ceremony has remained essentially the same over a thousand years...
Press release 21 December 2015

The Queen’s Gold Medal for Poetry 2015

Read more
Feature

Garden Parties

Each year over 30,000 guests are invited to garden parties...
The King speaks to a guest at a Garden Party
Press release 09 May 2015

Queen's Medal for Music 2014 announced

Read more
Press release 01 December 2014

The Queen’s Gold Medal for Poetry 2014

Read more
Press release 01 April 2014

New appointments to the Order of the Garter

Read more
Press release 01 May 2013

New appointment to the Order of the Garter

Read more
Press release 29 January 2013

The Queen awards Regius professorships

Read more
Press release 20 December 2012

The Queen's Gold Medal for Poetry 2012

Read more
Press release 05 December 2012

Queen's Medal for Music 2012 winner announced

Read more
Press release 13 September 2012

The 2012 Diamond Jubilee Honours List

Read more
Press release 16 June 2012

Honorary Five Star Rank appointment

Read more
Press release 29 May 2012

New appointments to the Order of the Thistle

Read more
Press release 01 January 2012

Appointments to the Order of Merit

Read more
Press release 01 January 2012

The Queen’s Medal for Music 2011

Read more
Press release 14 December 2011

The Queen’s Gold Medal for Poetry 2011

Read more
Press release 10 June 2011

The Duke of Edinburgh appointed Lord High Admiral

Read more
Press release 29 April 2011

Announcement of titles

Read more
Press release 10 March 2011

The Earl of Wessex appointed GCVO

Read more
Press release 21 February 2011

The Duke of York appointed GCVO

Read more
Press release 21 January 2011

The Queen’s Medal For Music 2010

Read more
Press release 04 November 2010

Mr Neil MacGregor appointed to the Order of Merit

Read more
Press release 02 August 2010

Use of the title 'The Right Honourable' in New Zealand

Read more
Press release 01 December 2009

The Queen’s Gold Medal for Poetry 2009

Read more
Press release 09 July 2009

New poetry award announced

Read more
Press release 09 July 2009

New appointment to the Order of Merit

Read more
Press release 03 November 2008

The Queen's message to Lewis Hamilton

Read more
Press release 02 October 2008

New Royal Air Force honorary appointments

Read more
Press release 14 July 2008

Recipients of the Royal Victorian Order, June 2008

Read more
Press release 22 April 2008

Appointment to the Order of the Garter

Read more