On May 20, 2026, a notable investiture ceremony took place at Windsor Castle where Kate Middleton and Prince William honoured one of their long-serving staff members. Lance Sergeant Scott Robin Bishop, who has been the couple’s driver for several years, was awarded the Royal Victorian Medal in silver by Prince William.
The Royal Victorian Medal, which acknowledges exceptional personal service to the British royal family, is awarded at the discretion of the monarch. Established by Queen Victoria in 1896, the Royal Victorian Order comprises five grades, including the medal awarded to Bishop during the ceremony. The programme described Bishop’s role as “Orderly and Driver to The Prince and Princess of Wales,” highlighting his contributions to their lives.
The investiture ceremony also saw a number of other distinguished recipients. Notable figures included actress Cynthia Erivo, comedian Matt Lucas, and rugby player Julia Lee. Prince William presented Erivo with the title of Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE), while Lucas was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE). Lee also received recognition as an MBE during the event.
Bishop’s long tenure with the royal family dates back several years. His dedication was noted in King Charles’ New Year Honours List late last year. Alongside him, the family’s nanny, Maria Teresa Turrión Borrallo, received her own Royal Victorian Medal in silver earlier this year. The medal was presented to her as a recognition of her invaluable support in raising Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
Maria Borrallo first joined the royal household in 2014, shortly after the birth of Prince George. She is a graduate of Norland College in Bath, renowned for its excellence in early childhood education and training. While initially her role kept her mostly out of the public eye, significant moments have brought her into the spotlight, such as when she held the young Prince George up to a window during the 2015 Trooping the Colour.
Sources have described Borrallo as a figure who embodies a balanced approach to childcare. While she is known to be firm and disciplined, she also demonstrates a nurturing disposition towards William and Kate’s three children. As the royal children continue to grow, her influence remains evident, and she recently made an appearance alongside William and Charlotte during a family gathering at Buckingham Palace.
The Royal Victorian Medal stands out as a unique honour, particularly as it is not limited to traditional roles such as police officers or security personnel, which often receive such distinctions. The award also acknowledges the significant contributions of drivers, gardeners, and housekeepers who support the royal family behind the scenes.
In awarding Bishop the Royal Victorian Medal, Prince William not only recognised his attentiveness but also acknowledged the personal connections that staff build with the royal family. Such acknowledgments highlight the importance of those who support royal duties on a day-to-day basis.
As the royal family continues to navigate public life, the roles of dedicated staff members like Bishop and Borrallo remain crucial. Their contributions provide stability and support, ensuring that the royal household functions smoothly, particularly as the younger generation of royals becomes more visible in public life.