Thank You, Ma'am

The Team Rector of Marlborough has received one of the highest honours possible for clergy, by being appointed as a Chaplain to Her Majesty.

The Revd Canon Andrew Studdert-Kennedy’s honorary appointment as a Chaplain to the Queen (QHC) was announced in the press today.

QHCs are appointed after long and distinguished service. Although usually an Anglican priest or a Church of Scotland minister, a member of the clergy from any faith tradition may be appointed. Chaplains wear a scarlet cassock and a special bronze badge consisting of the royal cypher and crown within an oval wreath.

Andrew said, “I am as delighted as I am surprised to have received this honour. I feel I do so on behalf of parish ministry generally.

“It is great to share the honour with the parishioners of Marlborough, where I have been privileged to serve for fifteen years. I give special thanks to my colleagues and above all to my family”

Bishop Nicholas Holtam welcomed the appointment, saying,  “I am delighted that Andrew Studdert-Kennedy is to be a Chaplain to Her Majesty the Queen. This is good news for Andrew, for Marlborough where he continues to serve, and for the Diocese of Salisbury.

“He is a distinguished parish priest and Rural Dean whose abilities have rightly been recognised.”