Welsh Honorees Acknowledged in the King’s Initial Birthday Honors

The Secretary of State for Wales, David TC Davies, has extended his congratulations to this year’s honorees from Wales in the King’s Birthday Honours.

The Birthday Honours list celebrates the remarkable achievements of outstanding individuals from diverse backgrounds throughout the United Kingdom, all of whom have made significant contributions to public life and their communities.

Honorees from Wales in the 2023 list include:

• Christopher Jones (CBE), Deputy Chief Medical Officer in Wales, recognized for his contributions to Healthcare;
• Pippa Britton (OBE), a double Paralympian and double World Champion archer, as well as the Vice-Chair of Sport Wales, honored for her services to Sport;
• Jane Hutt MS (CBE), Minister for Social Justice, Welsh Government, acknowledged for her Political and Public Service;
• Anju Kumar (OBE), recognized for her work as a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist and her commitment to Women’s Health and Welfare in Wales;
• Kingsley Ward (MBE), founder of the renowned Rockfield Studios in Monmouth, recognized for his contributions to Music.

A number of other individuals from Wales have also received honors, including Denzil Connick from Blackwood (BEM), who co-founded the South Atlantic Medal Association, for his voluntary service to Falklands War Veterans. He served in the Falklands Conflict of 1982 with the Parachute Regiment, where he was severely injured by enemy fire on Mount Longdon.

Christine Horton (BEM) from Llansantffraid in Powys has dedicated four decades to her role as Head Housekeeper at Bryngwyn Hall, significantly contributing to the restoration of this crucial part of Welsh heritage.

John Griffiths (BEM), associated with Swansea Harriers Club, is a highly regarded athletics coach in the Swansea and South Wales region, having volunteered over 60 years in various roles, including coach, official, and competition organizer. Among the athletes he has mentored are Non Stanford, Hayley Tullet, and Dai Greene, all of whom have achieved global success.

Paul Jeffrey Leach from Colwyn Bay has established and directed the dental service for vulnerable children in North West Wales for nearly 20 years and is awarded an MBE.

The King’s Birthday Honours List highlights the accomplishments of these and numerous other individuals from across Wales. The Welsh Secretary has expressed gratitude for their hard work and commitment to their respective fields.

Secretary of State for Wales, David TC Davies, stated:

It is incredibly inspiring to hear about the extraordinary and invaluable work being done by so many individuals from Wales who have rightfully received recognition in the King’s Birthday Honours.

Welsh recipients from varied fields have been acknowledged, whether for their dedication to local communities, contributions to sport, education, culture, or health – and I’m delighted that their efforts have been celebrated.

I would like to extend my congratulations to all honorees and express my gratitude to each of them for their contributions.