A FORMER West Somerset man has attended Windsor Castle to be presented by the Princess Royal with the Royal Victorian Order (MVO).

Chief Insp Chris Conrad, who has led a team of protection officers for the Royal family and senior Government officials for the past 15 years, was recognised in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours List.

The award, which is in the gift of the King, was for Mr Conrad’s personal service to the Crown.

His family were able to attend the investiture to watch Princess Anne present the medal, which is a dynastic order of knighthood established in 1896 by Queen Victoria.

Mr Conrad grew up in Winsford and Timberscombe, and attended West Somerset College, in Minehead, before taking a degree in Anglia Ruskin University, and now lives in Cambridgeshire with his wife and daughter.

His father, Peter Conrad, still lives in Blue Anchor.

In his distinguished career, Mr Conrad has travelled extensively across the world, arranging and accompanying VIPs, and liaising with overseas police and security services to ensure their safety.

He attended the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, and served with the Gurkha Regiment in Hong Kong, before joining the police force in Cambridgeshire in 1996.

Mr Conrad led protection arrangements for the late Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee, and for her funeral, and also for the Coronation of King Charles III.

Now, his dedication and professionalism have been formally recognised at the highest level.

Mr Conrad said after the investiture: “It was a truly humbling experience to receive this honour from Her Royal Highness at Windsor Castle.

“I feel privileged to have been able to serve in a way that has been recognised in this manner.”

Friends and colleagues across West Somerset have warmly congratulated him on a prestigious achievement which reflected both his professional service and his strong local roots.