New appointments to the Order of the Garter announced
Published 31/12/2021
Her Majesty The Queen has been graciously pleased to appoint Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall, G.C.V.O. to be a Royal Lady of the Most Noble Order of the Garter.
In addition, The Queen has been graciously pleased to appoint The Right Honourable Valerie Ann, Baroness Amos C.H. to be a Lady Companion and The Right Honourable Anthony Charles Lynton Blair to be a Knight Companion of the Most Noble Order of the Garter.
Background
The appointment of Royal Knights and Ladies is in the gift of The Queen and there is no limit on the number.
The appointment of the Knights and Ladies of the Garter is in The Queen's gift (i.e. without Prime Ministerial advice). Appointments to the Order of the Garter are therefore in the same category as the Order of the Thistle, the Order of Merit and the Royal Victorian Order which are also in The Queen's gift. Today's announcement brings the number of Companions to 21 (out of a maximum of 24).
Baroness Amos C.H (born 13th March 1954) has previously been Chief Executive, Equal Opportunities Commission (1989-1994), Secretary of State for International Development, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Lords (2003-2007), Undersecretary General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Co-ordinator, UN (2010-2015) and is currently Master, University College Oxford.
Anthony Charles Lynton Blair was Prime Minister from 1997-2007. He is now Executive Chairman of the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, a not-for-profit organisation which works around the world.
The appointments are effective from 1st January, 2022.
Related content
A message from The King to open the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games
We celebrate the dedication and talent of every athlete and team. Your perseverance inspires us, and we eagerly anticipate your achievements in the coming days.
A message from The King to the President of Guyana, following the capsizing of the MV Barima
Dear Mr. President, My wife and I were most profoundly shocked and saddened to learn of the appallingly tragic loss of life following the capsizing of the M.V. Barima. I...
A speech by The King in Tynwald, Isle of Man
On an island such as this, one never feels far from the marvellous landscapes and the sea that surrounds us, from the heights of Snaefell to the wooded glens and beautiful...
The King's message to mark the 250th anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence
The story of the relationship between our two nations is one of extraordinary evolution, from overcoming conflict to forging one of the closest and most productive alliances...
The King's message following the earthquakes in Venezuela
To the people of Venezuela, My wife and I were deeply saddened to learn of the devastating earthquakes that have struck your country, and of the tragic loss of life and...
Financial reports 2025-26
The Royal Household has published its annual financial statement, the Sovereign Grant Report, detailing how public funding supported the official duties of The Royal Family...
The King's speech at at Government House, Bermuda
Returning to Bermuda on this occasion has been a particular joy, and especially to celebrate anew all those who have contributed to its history, and those now shaping its...
A speech by The King on the Presentation of New Colours to the Royal Marines, Windsor Castle
It is most heartening to see the representatives of some of our oldest and closest international allies and partners present on this very special occasion. I can only pray...
The King's remarks at the Gurkha Artillery Formation Parade, Larkhill
This occasion marks not simply the union of two distinguished institutions, but a powerful reaffirmation of the enduring and deeply valued relationship between the United...
A speech by The Queen at the Founder's Day Parade, Royal Hospital Chelsea
You offer care, camaraderie and community to those men and women who have served our nation, while always upholding the highest of standards.
Remarks by The King at 'A King's Trust Celebration' at the Royal Albert Hall
You'll all make a huge difference to this country and many others.
A speech by His Majesty The King at the White House State Dinner, Washington
Tonight, we are here to renew an indispensable alliance which has long been a cornerstone of prosperity and security for both British and American citizens. Our people have...
The King’s Address to the Joint Meeting of Congress in Washington
The Alliance that our two Nations have built over the centuries – and for which we are profoundly grateful to the American people – is truly unique.
The King’s message to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the birth of Queen Elizabeth II
Queen Elizabeth’s ‘promise with destiny kept’ shaped the world around her and touched the lives of countless people across our nation, the Commonwealth and beyond.
The King's letter to Colonel Jeremy Hansen ahead of the launch of the Artemis II mission
It is with immense pride and a profound sense of shared purpose that I write to you as you prepare to embark upon the Artemis II mission.
The King and Queen will undertake a State Visit to the United States of America followed by a Royal Visit by The King to Bermuda
A Speech by The Queen at a Literary Reception to mark the fifth anniversary of Her Majesty's Reading Room
I find it hard to believe that it is five years since I founded it, at the height of lockdown, with the simple aim of sharing my lifelong conviction that books make life...