Abbey staff honoured for Coronation roles
Saturday, 30th December 2023
Three members of the Abbey community have been honoured for their roles at the Coronation of Their Majesties The King and Queen on 6th May 2023.
The Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, is appointed a Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order, which was established in 1896 to recognise distinguished personal service to the monarch. As Dean, Dr Hoyle was the first to greet Their Majesties as they arrived at the Abbey for their Coronation. He played a key role in the planning of the service and, on the day, supported the Archbishop of Canterbury, taking particular responsibility for the items of royal regalia presented to The King and Queen.
The Abbey's Receiver General, Paul Baumann, is awarded the LVO (Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order) for his crucial role overseeing the way the Abbey rose to the complex challenge of delivering the Coronation. He coordinated the different work streams and led the planning group. He is the most senior member of lay staff at the Abbey and works closely with the Dean and Chapter on strategic and operational matters and on major events - including the Coronation service.
Ian Bartlett, Clerk of the Works, is awarded the MVO (Member of the Royal Victorian Order). Ian led the team responsible for preparing the Abbey church for the service, overseeing the building of the Coronation Theatre and of the broadcast rig which allowed the service to be seen by audiences around the world.
Reflecting on the honours, the Dean said:
It is the job of the Dean to represent the Abbey, to be its voice and a visible presence. I have this honour because of the service the entire Abbey community offered to the Crown at the Coronation. It was a huge privilege to be at the heart of the Coronation and it was also a real challenge. Together we did what was asked of us. I am delighted for Paul and Ian who richly deserve recognition for their efforts, but in truth the entire Abbey team shared in that wonderful day and now shares whatever recognition follows.
Westminster Abbey has been the coronation church for almost a thousand years, and HM The King was the fortieth reigning monarch to be crowned here since 1066.
