Former Mayor of Harrow during the mid 1990s, Hertfordshire County Cllr Stephen Giles-Medhurst has been presented with his OBE by HRH The Princess Royal at an investiture ceremony at St James’s Palace.
Cllr Giles-Medhurst – who is also leader of Three Rivers District Council – was recognised for services to local government in King Charles III’s 2025 Birthday Honours.
He collected the honour at a ceremony earlier this month, accompanied by his husband Kevin and his children, Andrew and Christina.
Commenting on the ceremony, Cllr Giles-Medhurst said:
“It was a great pleasure to be received by Her Royal Highness – and for Kevin, my husband, and my two children, Andrew and Christina, to be present as we were received in the Throne Room.
“The honour is not just for me, but all my family, friends and colleagues, as well as residents who have supported my long service in local government over four decades.
“Her Royal Highness was a delight to speak to about what we do.”
Liberal Democrat Cllr Giles-Medhurst, who is Hertfordshire County Council’s executive member for highways, has lived in Hertfordshire since 1999.
He has been a member of Three Rivers District Council since 2000 and was elected as an Abbots Langley parish councillor in 2008, serving five terms as its chairman.
He has represented Abbots Langley on Hertfordshire County Council since May, having previously represented the Central Watford and Oxhey division for 24 years.
Before moving to Hertfordshire, Cllr Giles-Medhurst served for 20 years on Harrow Council, including a term as Mayor.
Deborah is a Local Democracy Reporter covering news across Hertfordshire, with a strong focus on councils, local government and public policy. Her reporting includes county council decisions, council tax, spending pressures, legal and regulatory issues, healthcare stories including junior doctors, and community projects affecting local residents.
