Press release

Welsh recipients recognised in the King’s first Birthday Honours

Secretary of State for Wales David TC Davies congratulates this year’s Honours recipients from Wales.

This was published under the 2022 to 2024 Sunak Conservative government

2023 Honours.

The Secretary of State for Wales David TC Davies has congratulated this year’s recipients from Wales of the King’s Birthday Honours.

The Birthday Honours list rewards the accomplishments of extraordinary people from all backgrounds across the whole of the United Kingdom, all have whom have made contributions to public life and their communities.

Recipients from Wales in the 2023 list include:

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

Numerous other people from across Wales have been honoured 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, when he was seriously wounded by an enemy shell on Mount Longdon.

Christine Horton (BEM) from Llansantffraid in Powys has worked for 40 years as the Head Housekeeper at Bryngwyn Hall, contributing to the restoration of this important part of Welsh heritage.

John Griffiths (BEM) from Swansea Harriers Club is a well-respected athletics coach in the Swansea and South Wales area who has dedicated over 60 years of his life to volunteering within the sport as a coach, official and competition organiser. Among the athletes he has coached are Non Stanford, Hayley Tullet and Dai Greene, all of whom have enjoyed success on the global stage.

Paul Jeffrey Leach from Colwyn Bay has developed and led the dental service for vulnerable children in North West Wales for almost 20 years and receives an MBE.

The King’s Birthday Honours List recognises the achievements of these and many other people from every corner of Wales. The Welsh Secretary has thanked them all for their hard work and dedication to their field.

Secretary of State for Wales David TC Davies said:

It is incredibly inspiring to hear about the extraordinary and invaluable work of so many people from across Wales who have deservedly been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours.

Welsh recipients from a wide range of fields have been recognised, whether it’s for their commitment to their local community, their contribution to sport, education, culture or health – and I’m thrilled that their endeavours have been commended.

I would like to congratulate all the recipients being honoured and thank each and every one for their contribution.

Updates to this page

Published 16 June 2023