Queen Mary academic Professor Peter Hennessy appointed to Order of the Garter by King Charles

Lord Hennessy of Nympsfield © House of Lords photography by Roger Harris

Professor Peter Hennessy, Attlee Professor of Contemporary British History at Queen Mary University of London, has today (St George’s Day) been appointed to the Order of the Garter by King Charles III.

The announcement was made on 23 April, marking Professor Hennessy’s recognition as one of three distinguished members of the House of Lords to receive the honour this year.

Founded in 1348, the Order of the Garter is the most senior order of chivalry in the United Kingdom. Membership is granted at the personal discretion of the monarch in recognition of public service of the highest distinction.

Professor Hennessy, Baron Hennessy of Nympsfield, is widely regarded as one of Britain’s leading constitutional historians. Over a career spanning journalism, academia and public life, he has made a significant contribution to national understanding of the modern British state and its institutions.

Before joining Queen Mary, Professor Hennessy was a leading writer and political correspondent at The Times. He has held the Attlee Professorship at Queen Mary for more than three decades and has been a member of the House of Lords since 2010.

His work has played an important role in shaping public debate on government, constitutional practice and the evolution of British political life.

Professor Hennessy is joined in this year’s appointments by Gus O'Donnell and Ian Burnett.

The Order of the Garter is celebrated annually with a traditional procession and service held within the grounds of Windsor Castle.