In a deeply personal gesture that breaks from typical royal protocol, King Charles III has privately recognised the unwavering loyalty of his inner circle in Scotland, bestowing honours upon a group of close friends from Aberdeenshire.
The King nominated four longstanding companions for the prestigious British Empire Medal (BEM), a move that highlights the profound importance of the relationships he forged long before his accession to the throne.
A Sanctuary in Scotland: The Origins of a Bond
These friendships were cemented during His Majesty's decades residing at Birkhall, his private home on the Balmoral estate. Unlike the formality of London court life, Aberdeenshire provided a refuge of normality and genuine connection for the then-Prince of Wales.
The honoured individuals are not high-profile figures but local pillars who offered steadfast support through both good times and personal trials, including the death of his beloved grandmother and later, his first wife, Diana.
Who Are the Honoured Friends?
The list includes:
- Hugh and Catherine Ross, owners of the nearby Highgrove shop, who became close confidants.
- Sandy and Linda Hennessy, of the Abergeldie Castle estate, trusted neighbours for over 40 years.
- David and Victoria White, from the Ballater stationers which held a royal warrant.
- Dawn and Mark Guthrie, another local couple integral to the King's life in Scotland.
Their contributions, described as 'hands-on' and rooted in genuine care, represent a loyalty that transcends duty, forming the bedrock of a trusted community around the monarch.
A Deliberate Departure from Tradition
This act is significant for its discretion. The honours were awarded directly from the King, separate from the glitz of the official New Year or Birthday Honours lists curated by the government. This underscores the intensely personal nature of the recognition, a heartfelt 'thank you' for friendship rather than a reward for public service.
It paints a picture of a King who values the quiet, constant support of those who knew him not as a sovereign, but simply as a neighbour and friend, solidifying his deep and enduring connection to Scotland and its people.
