The Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood, or simply the Central Chancery, is an office of the Lord Chamberlain's department within the Royal Household of the Sovereign of the United Kingdom. It is responsible for the administration of orders of chivalry and some aspects of honours in general. It does not deal with nominations or decisions on appointments, but rather administers the appointment procedures and investitures, and provides the insignia. It is a small office, with eight staff in 2019.Jonathan P. K. Smith. The Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood. Orders & Medals Research Society Journal, volume 58, number 3, page 172. September 2019.
History and duties
The office was established by King Edward VII in April 1904 in response to the recommendations of a committee set up in 1902 to consider changes to the administration of the honours system. The new office replaced the ad hoc arrangements which had evolved over time. The Central Chancery is headed by a Secretary, who is assisted by an Assistant Secretary.
Since 1991, the Secretary of the Central Chancery has been the same individual who serves as Assistant Comptroller to the Lord Chamberlain's Office, and currently serves ex-officio as the registrar of the Royal Victorian Order"Royal Victorian Order", The Queen's Chapel of the Savoy. Retrieved 9 December 2017. and of the Order of the British Empire.
Since 1931, the office has been held by retired and active duty officers of the Armed Forces.
The current secretary, Lt.Col. Stephen Segrave, took part in the Royal Procession at the 2023 Coronation, leading the contingent representing orders of chivalry and gallantry award holders.
List of secretaries
Sir Francis Morgan Bryant (1916–1931) Rear Admiral Philip John Hawkins Lander Row (1931–1932) Commander Dudley Colles (1932–1936) Major Sir Henry Hudson Fraser Stockley (1936–1946) Brigadier Sir Ivan de la Bere (1946–1960) Major General Sir Cyril Harry Colquhoun (1960–1968) Major General Sir Peter Bernard Gillett (1968–1979) Major General Sir Desmond Hind Garrett Rice (1980–1989) Lieutenant Colonel Sir Walter Ross (1989–1991) Lieutenant Colonel Anthony Charles McClure Mather (1991–1999)"Mather, Lt-Col Anthony Charles Mcclure", Who's Who (online ed., Oxford University Press, December 2017). Retrieved 9 December 2017. Lieutenant Colonel Robert Guy Cartwright (1999–2005)"Cartwright, Lt-Col. Robert Guy", Who's Who (online ed., Oxford University Press, December 2017). Retrieved 9 December 2017.The Gazette, 31 December 2004. Retrieved 28 Mai 2026. Lieutenant Colonel Sir Alexander Fergus Matheson of Matheson, 8th Baronet (2005–2014)"Matheson of Matheson, Lt Colonel Sir Alexander Fergus", Who's Who (online ed., Oxford University Press, December 2017). Retrieved 9 December 2017. Lieutenant Colonel Sir James Michael Vernon (2014–2019)"The Royal Mint Advisory Committee" (Cabinet Office). Retrieved 9 December 2017.The Gazette, 8 August 2025. Retrieved 28 Mai 2026. Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Segrave (2019–present)The Court Circular, 17 June 2019. Retrieved 17 October 2019.
References
External links
British Monarchy website