THE King paid tribute to his top doctors amid his ongoing cancer treatment as he celebrated his official birthday today.
Dr Michael Dixon, head of the Royal Medical Household, and Charles’ GP Dr Fiona Butler – also known as the King’s Apothecary – were recognized for their personal service to the monarch.
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Charles, 75, revealed in February that he had been diagnosed with cancer after it was detected during a prostate operation.
The Princess of Wales, 42, is also undergoing treatment after being diagnosed with cancer earlier this year.
Dr Dixon was appointed Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (CVO) and Dr Butler is now a Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order (LVO), with the accolades announced on the King’s official birthday.
Awards of the Royal Victorian Order are a gift from the King and are given independently of Downing Street to people who have served the monarch or the royal family in a personal capacity.
Dr. Dixon and the King have known each other for decades and he is responsible for overseeing the eminent members of the medical profession tasked with caring for the royal family.
His appointment as head of the Royal Medical Household following Charles’ accession attracted criticism due to his stated support for alternative therapies such as faith healing and herbal medicine.
In 2023, Buckingham Palace exposed the doctor’s beliefs to The Sunday Times, saying: “Dr Dixon does not believe that homeopathy can cure cancer.
“Their position is that complementary therapies can accompany conventional treatments, as long as they are safe, appropriate and evidence-based.”
The Reverend Kenneth MacKenzie, domestic chaplain to the King and minister of the Parish of Braemar and Crathie, was appointed LVO by Charles.
Former chief aide to the Prince of Wales, Jean-Christophe Gray, who served as William’s private secretary, was honored and appointed LVO.
Former Master of the Horse Baron de Mauley, who took part in the King’s coronation procession, has been appointed Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (KCVO).
The Princess Royal’s dressmaker Veronica Cain was awarded the Bar of the Royal Victorian Order (Silver) for her services to Anne.
Imelda da Coroa is a Lady
KING Charles could award the title of Dame to his on-screen mother after Imelda Staunton received the top gong in his list of birthday honors.
The 68-year-old showbiz legend, who played the late Queen in Netflix’s The Crown, was made a Dame for her services to drama and charity.
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Alex Jennings, who played Edward VIII in the hit monarchy drama, also received the royal seal of approval in the honors list with a CBE.
Imelda, celebrated for her roles including in Harry Potter and Downton Abbey, said she is “really thrilled” to become a Dame, adding: “I feel genuinely humbled to be recognized on the same level as the incredible actresses, all the great Ladies, who paved the way for many of us.
“It was his talent, dedication, intelligence and energy that paved the way for us all and set the standards to which we all aspire.”
Among her colleagues who also received the honor are Dame Helen Mirren, Dame Maggie Smith, Dame Judi Dench, Dame Julie Andrews, Dame Vanessa Redgrave and Dame Kristin Scott Thomas.
Dame Imelda’s charity work has included being an ambassador for national homelessness charity Crisis, and she supported a winter fundraising campaign by international charity ShelterBox.
She said: “I am also delighted that this honor recognizes my support for charity as well as my work as an actress.
“I feel privileged to be able to use the success I have achieved to help others who find themselves in difficulty and to offer support to all the wonderful charities and charity workers who work so hard on behalf of others.
“I feel like this honor also recognizes the importance of the arts in this country.
“Theatre, cinema and television are essential to our well-being, they are at the center of our culture and they are admired around the world.
“I am proud to play my role in this important industry.”
Her portrayal of the late Queen in The Crown earned her Bafta and Golden Globe nominations.
Jennings, 67, also known for playing the then Prince Charles in the 2006 film The Queen alongside Helen Mirren, was awarded a CBE for services to drama.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
