Prince Harry, on behalf of The Queen, has presented the Insignia of an Honorary member of The Order of the Companions of Honour on Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Mpilo Tutu.

Published 30 November 2015

The Queen has made this appointment in recognition of his services to UK Communities, and International Peace and Reconciliation.

The Prince presented the Honour when he met The Archbishop today at the offices of The Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation in Cape Town, South Africa. The Foundation is run by The Archbishop's youngest daughter the Reverend Canon Mpho Tutu.

The Order was granted to The Archbishop by The Queen on the recommendation of the UK Government.

Background

Their meeting today, during Prince Harry's official visit to South Africa, was an opportunity for His Royal Highness to hear more about The Archbishop's work in peace building, conflict resolution, development and human rights. They also spoke about the work of The Archbishop's Foundation, in particular their efforts to support disadvantaged young people accessing employment opportunities. Prince Harry has met Archbishop Emeritus Tutu on one previous occasion at The National Service of Thanksgiving for Nelson Mandela at Westminster Abbey in 2014.

The Order of the Companions of Honour

The Order of the Companions of Honour was instituted in 1917 by King George V. It is conferred on people for recognised services of national importance, for a pre-eminent and sustained contribution in the arts, science, medicine or government.

The Order consists of The Sovereign and 65 members.

Recipients include painter Lucian Freud, Professor Stephen Hawking, naturalist Sir David Attenborough, painter David Hockney, historian Dr Eric Hobsbawm, politicians Sir John Major and Lord Patten of Barnes, General John de Chastelain, dramatist Harold Pinter, conductor Sir Charles Mackerras, the Reverend Chad Varah, and scientist Professor Anthony Pawson.

Recipients are entitled to use the post-nominal letters “CH”.