Stephen Hough, Elizabeth Llewellyn and Lt Col Jon Ridley honoured during Platinum Jubilee

It was an extra special bank holiday for alumni Stephen Hough, Elizabeth Llewellyn, and Lieutenant Colonel Jon Ridley, who were recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.

Released ahead of her Platinum Jubilee, this year’s list includes people said to reflect the Queen’s ‘invaluable qualities’.

All awarded for services to music, pianist and RNCM Companion Stephen Hough (above) has been given a knighthood, while soprano and RNCM Fellow Elizabeth and Jon, former Principal Director of Music of The Bands of HM Royal Marines, gain MBEs.

Professor Linda Merrick said: ‘We are immensely proud of Stephen, Elizabeth and Jon for these incredible achievements, awarded at this most momentous of times in the reign of our Patron. All three continue to make a significant impact on the music industry and I know that everyone at the RNCM joins me in sending them the very warmest of congratulations.’

Acknowledging the multitude of well-wishers, Stephen wrote on Twitter: ‘So many lovely, kind tweets. Thank you! Every ‘like’ is really a hug. I’m very touched.’

Posting on Facebook, The Bands of HM Royal Marines paid tribute to Jon, noting him as a ‘superb musician and brilliant leader…’ adding that ‘his legacy will live long amongst those of us who had the privilege to work with him, and for him. Nice one Boss, we’re very proud of you!’

Writing on her Twitter page, Elizabeth said: ‘Thanks a million to all those who sent kind messages of congratulations re the news of my MBE! It was a huge surprise & an enormous honour to have my work/career recognised in this way…the past 12 years haven’t been boring!!’

6 June 2022