King Charles has honoured some of his personal team, including his former head of security and his controversial doctor, amid his ongoing cancer battle. The monarch has personally recognised Dr Michael Dixon, head of the Royal Medical Household, by making him a Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (KCVO) in the Birthday Honours.
Dr Michael Dixon's Controversial Appointment
Dr Dixon, known for his trademark bow ties, has known the King for years. However, his appointment as the monarch's top medic following Charles's accession in September 2022 drew criticism due to his outspoken support for alternative therapies, such as faith healing and herbalism. His previous roles include practising GP, fellow of the Royal College of GPs, fellow of the Royal College of Physicians, former chairman of the NHS Alliance, and chairman of the College of Medicine.
Dr Dixon is now responsible for overseeing the eminent members of the medical profession who care for the Royal Family. In 2024, the year the King and the Princess of Wales were diagnosed with cancer, the monarch recognised Dr Dixon's personal service by making him a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (CVO). This year, the King is honouring him further with the second-highest grade, which also confers a knighthood.
King Charles's Cancer Treatment
While the Princess of Wales is in remission, King Charles continues to be treated for an undisclosed form of cancer. In December, he shared the "good news" that the regularity of his cancer treatment could be "significantly reduced." He credited "early diagnosis, effective intervention and adherence to 'doctors' orders'" for his move to a precautionary phase. Despite his ongoing treatment, the King maintains a busy schedule of engagements, audiences, and overseas tours. Tomorrow, he will lead the Royal Family at Trooping the Colour, and on Monday, he will attend Garter Day in Windsor before Royal Ascot kicks off the following day.
Former Security Chief Honoured
The King has also chosen to honour his former security chief, Inspector Jag Khangura, who retired as close protection team leader following the King's tour of the US and Bermuda earlier this year. The long-serving Met Police officer was highly involved in the security planning for the visit, which came just days after a thwarted attack on President Trump and saw some tweaks made to the programme to ensure the King and Queen's safety.
Jags, as he was known to friends and colleagues, had long been an internet sensation after being pictured as part of the monarch's "ring of steel" at royal engagements. His role carrying an umbrella for Charles saw him go viral on TikTok, with fans dubbing the brolly a "gunbrella." Social media fans compared him to Colin Firth's character, Harry Hart, from the Kingsman spy movies, who carries a high-tech, bespoke umbrella weapon. Though he retired from his role last month, the King and Queen are understood to have asked him to continue working with the royal household.
Other Honours
Elsewhere in the Birthday Honours, the King recognised Dr Robin Balfour, the Royal Medical Household's principal apothecary at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, making both him and his counterpart at Sandringham, Dr Adrian Clifton, Lieutenants of the RVO, alongside clinical radiologist to the King, Dr Robert Thomas.
