Sir Thomas Dunne has been appointed a Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter by The Queen.
The news came on Wednesday, St George’s Day, and the same honour was announced for Prince William.
Sir Thomas’ son, Ludlow’s MP Philip Dunne, told the Journal: “We are absolutely thrilled that my father has been honoured in this way by Her Majesty The Queen.
“The Order of the Garter is the most distinguished civil honour in the land.
“It came as a complete surprise but the honour recognises the remarkable life of public service to which my father has devoted himself.”
Sir Thomas has been the most senior Lord Lieutenant in the whole country since 2001.
He has served since 1977 as Lord Lieutenant of Herefordshire for 31 years and held the same post for Worcestershire for 24 years until 2001.
Mr Dunne continued: “We are very proud of his achievement and delighted for both him and for my mother that they will continue to have a place in public life after he retires as Lord Lieutenant in October.”
