The King has personally honoured his top medical team amid his treatment for cancer. Dr Michael Dixon, head of the Royal Medical Household, and Charles's GP Dr Fiona Butler - otherwise known as the Apothecary to the King - have been recognised by Charles for their personal service to the monarch and the royal family.
His appointment as head of the Royal Medical Household following Charles's accession drew criticism due to his outspoken support for alternative therapies, such as faith healing and herbalism. Dr Butler works as a GP at Health Partners at Violet Melchett and as a clinical director of Brompton Health Primary Care Network. She was awarded a British Empire Medal in the 2024 New Year Honours for her work as a clinical lead for social inclusion, mental health and homeless health in west London.
Meanwhile, representatives from two financial investment firms have been recognised for their personal services to the late Queen Elizabeth II. Nicholas Osler, partner in private client tax services at Smith and Williamson, was made an LVO, as was Richard Fitzalan Howard, senior adviser at Stonehage Fleming Investment Management.
He was also domestic chaplain to the late Queen at Crathie Kirk, the church the royals attend while at the Balmoral estate in Aberdeenshire, and he was in attendance when the Queen's coffin was at rest in the ballroom of Balmoral Castle following her death in September 2022. The Prince of Wales's former chief aide Jean-Christophe Gray, who served as William's private secretary, has also been honoured and made an LVO.