Queen Camilla recently took the time to write to me about my book Soldier of Conscience. To receive such kind words from Her Majesty is something I will never forget. I’ve always had deep respect for the Royal Family, but moments like this remind me of the value of service, compassion, and dedication to others.
This isn’t the first time I’ve been honoured by the monarchy. In 2021, I received an MBE from Queen Elizabeth II. The late Queen was a figure I admired greatly, and every campaign medal I’ve ever worn with her head on it has been a source of immense pride.
That MBE symbolised a lifetime of service — not just in uniform, but in my humanitarian work around the world.
Meeting Queen Camilla Through Her Words
When Queen Camilla’s letter arrived, I sat quietly for a moment, taking in the significance. Her message was more than a polite acknowledgment. It felt personal. It recognised the challenges I’d faced — from my military service and battle with PTSD to my humanitarian missions in Bosnia, Africa, and beyond.
In my book, Soldier of Conscience, I talk about the importance of compassion, even in the hardest times. Her Majesty’s letter reflected that same belief: that empathy and dedication can change lives. Knowing that my story resonated with her was an honour in itself.
Receiving the MBE from Queen Elizabeth II
In June 2021, I was awarded the MBE by Queen Elizabeth II for my fundraising and humanitarian work. Seeing my name on the Queen’s Birthday Honours List was surreal. I was just a lad from Croydon when I joined the British Army in 1986. Back then, my goal was simple — to serve my country and do my job with pride.
I served in conflict zones, cared for the injured, and stood by families during their darkest hours. The MBE wasn’t just recognition of my actions; it was recognition of the communities, children, and colleagues who stood with me through it all.
Every campaign medal I received bearing Queen Elizabeth II’s image meant something to me. But the MBE was different. It was the highest honour I could imagine from a monarch who defined duty and resilience.
From Soldier to Humanitarian: The Journey Queen Camilla Recognised
My military career began with the 2nd Royal Tank Regiment. I trained with the French Navy, passed the French Commando course, and specialised in reconnaissance. My postings took me to the borders of South Armagh, Northern Ireland, and twice to Bosnia.
It was during my second Bosnia deployment in 2003 that I met four-year-old Stefan Savic. Born with a severe facial cleft, his condition was life-threatening without surgery. His courage moved me deeply, and I promised myself I would help him. That promise became a lifelong commitment, leading to multiple fundraising campaigns that ultimately paid for his life-saving surgeries.
Finding New Purpose After Injury
In 2000, an injury led to my medical discharge from the Army. It could have been the end of my service, but Stefan’s bravery gave me a new mission. I retrained as a paramedic, working in both the UK and some of the world’s most remote locations, including Iraq and Mauritania.
In Mauritania, I visited an orphanage where the children had nothing — no beds, no lights, no toys. I left in tears, but those tears became determination. I raised the funds to build a safe, fully-equipped orphanage. Seeing those children smile in their new home remains one of my proudest moments.
Becoming a Freeman of the City of London
Another proud milestone in my journey was being made a Freeman of the City of London in 2016. The ceremony’s history is rich, stretching back centuries. As I signed my name alongside those of Queen Elizabeth II, Admiral Lord Nelson, and Nelson Mandela, I felt connected to a tradition of service and leadership.
The Freedom of the City isn’t just ceremonial. It’s a recognition of contribution — to one’s community, to the nation, and to causes that matter. For me, it was a moment that tied my own work to a lineage of people dedicated to making a difference.
The Importance of Recognition from Queen Camilla
Recognition from Queen Camilla means more than I can express. It’s not about status or prestige; it’s about knowing that the causes I care so deeply about — children’s healthcare, scoliosis research, and mental health support — are being acknowledged at the highest levels.
Her letter is now a treasured reminder that even the smallest act of kindness can be noticed, and that compassion still holds value in today’s world.
Carrying the Mission Forward with Queen Camilla’s Encouragement
Whether it’s selling copies of Soldier of Conscience to raise funds for Scoliosis Support & Research and Facing the World, or speaking openly about my struggles with PTSD to encourage others to seek help, I remain committed to using my experiences for good.
My journey has been one of transformation — from soldier to humanitarian, from patient to advocate, from service in conflict zones to service in communities. And at every stage, the Royal Family has been part of that story — from the medals bearing Queen Elizabeth II’s image, to the MBE, to Queen Camilla’s words of encouragement.
Service isn’t something you do once; it’s something you carry with you for life. And with every letter, medal, and handshake, I’m reminded why I began — and why I’ll never stop.
