Sophie Wessex is named Dame Grand Cross of the Order of St John

The Countess of Wessex has been appointed Dame Grand Cross of the Order of St John by the Queen.

Sophie, 57, has been involved with The Order of St John since 2004, even celebrating her birthday earlier this year by volunteering at an NHS vaccination centre in Surrey as part of her work with St John Ambulance.

She has been highly praised for her role as Grand President of St John Ambulance and as a care volunteer for the charity.

The Queen has shown further recognition for her work by giving her a prestigious new title.

Posting on Twitter, St John Ambulance congratulated Sophie on her new title appointed by the Queen 

St John Ambulance took to Twitter to congratulate Sophie on being appointed Dame Grand Cross of the Order of St John. 

Meanwhile, an announcement in The Gazette added: ‘The QUEEN has graciously pleased to sanction the following Promotions in, and Admissions to, the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem with effect from 14 April 2022 the date of Her Majesty’s sign-manual.’

The Order of St John, headed by the Queen, is a historic Christian charity connected with the St John Ambulance. The Duke of Gloucester is the Order’s Grand Prior. 

Around the world, there are five Orders of St John which run numerous programmes, ranging from ambulance corps to schemes for young people, care for the elderly, the disabled, children and the homeless.

Sophie, who has been involved with The Order of St John since 2004, was presented the First Bar to the Service Medal last year

They also provide first-aid training, and disaster and humanitarian relief worldwide.

The British Order of St John is an Order of Chivalry of the Crown.

Reaffirmed in Britain in the mid-19th century by Queen Victoria, the Order traces its origins back 900 years to the Knights Hospitaller who cared for the sick in Jerusalem. 

The Countess of Wessex’s new title comes just months after she donned the Robes of a Dame of the Order of St John in an official portrait to coincide with being presented the First Bar to the Service Medal, marking 15 years with the Order.

She is seen with her blonde hair coiffed back off her face and neutral makeup, alongside dainty earrings. 

The Countess of Wessex marked her birthday by volunteering at a vaccination centre with St John Ambulance in January

Many people have taken to Twitter to congratulate the royal on becoming Dame Grand Cross of the Order of St John.

One person wrote: ‘Very well deserved to HRH The Countess of Wessex- Sophie. A dedicated, loyal, hard working royal’

‘Congratulations lovely lady, you are a great example of adapting so graciously to the riggers of the Royal Family,’ another commented.

A third said: ‘Congrats such a lovely woman and loyal royal working hard for the Queen’

A fourth added: ‘Fantastic appointment! Sophie will be a great advocate.’

A stream of people have taken to Twitter congratulating Sophie Wessex on becoming Dame Grand Cross of the Order of St John