Professor George Hamilton, the divisional director of surgery and associated services at the Royal Free London, collected an award from Buckingham Palace on Friday for his services to the Royal Family.

He was named a Commander of the Victorian Order (CVO) in the New Year Honours and was presented with the award by Prince Charles before being invited to a Champagne reception at the Palace.

Professor Hamilton said: “It was a great day and wonderful experience to attend the ceremony at Buckingham Palace. Everyone there went to great lengths to make us feel special.

“It was also a lovely family occasion - my wife, my three children and my father were there with me. We had a special lunch and spent the rest of the day celebrating.”

Professor Hamilton, who is one of the country’s leading vascular surgeons, was appointed surgeon to the Royal Household and then Surgeon to the Queen. In 2010 he was appointed Serjeant Surgeon, a post which dates back to the 13th Century. In modern times this has changed to the senior surgeon to the monarch. Professor Hamilton held this role until last year and he continues to provide vascular advice.

It was a great day and wonderful experience to attend the ceremony at Buckingham Palace. Everyone there went to great lengths to make us feel special.

Professor George Hamilton

CVO is a title bestowed directly by the Queen in honour of a personal service given to the Royal Household.

He is professor of vascular surgery at the Royal Free London and UCL, and is a leading researcher in vascular surgery. Professor Hamilton has also held the posts of President of the Vascular Society of Great Britain and Ireland, President of the European Society of Vascular Surgery and Chair of the Joint Vascular Research Group of Great Britain and Ireland. 

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Image: Professor Hamilton at Buckingham Palace

Notes to editors

About the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust

The Royal Free began as a pioneering organisation and continues to play a leading role in the care of patients. Our mission is to provide world class expertise and local care. In the 21st century, the Royal Free London continues to lead improvements in healthcare.

The Royal Free London attracts patients from across the country and beyond to its specialist services in liver and kidney transplantation, haemophilia, renal care, HIV, infectious diseases, plastic surgery, immunology, Parkinson's disease, vascular surgery, cardiology, amyloidosis and scleroderma and we are a member of the academic health science partnership UCLPartners.

In July 2014 Barnet Hospital and Chase Farm Hospital became part of the Royal Free London. Read 'A bigger trust, a better future'.