In the historic surroundings of Great St Mary’s Church, in the heart of Cambridge, the Order of St George the Martyr held its annual Investiture Ceremony, celebrating both the heritage of chivalric tradition and the timeless values of service, courage, and compassion.
This year’s ceremony was especially significant, not only for its solemn dignity and inspiring atmosphere but also for the inclusion of new voices and cultures into the life of the Order. Five individuals were formally welcomed into the Order: Mr Mihail Stoyanov, Mrs Sofia Stoyanova, Mr Mark Joseph Boden, Mr Anthony Owen Smith, and Ms Joanne Marie Stannard. In addition, Chevalier Pietro D’Angelico Falco and Chevalier Tony Hore ware promoted to the rank of Knight Commander, in recognition of their continued service and dedication to the Order’s mission.
The ceremony was honoured by the presence of several high-profile guests, including His Majesty’s Deputy Lord-Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire, John Bridge, OBE, DL, and his wife Jenny Bridge, as well as His Excellency Mr Tihomir Stoychev, Ambassador of the Republic of Bulgaria to the United Kingdom and His Excellency The Rt Revd Monsignor Provost Eugene Harknes. A deeply symbolic and emotional highlight of the ceremony was the performance of the Bulgarian national anthem, played by the church’s organist and choir in honour of the induction of the first two Bulgarian members of the Order and the presence of the Bulgarian Ambassador. The gesture was warmly received by all present and represented a powerful moment of cultural inclusion and unity.
Following the formal investiture, members and guests gathered in the church gardens for group photographs before the procession moved to a celebratory luncheon and networking reception at the Hilton Cambridge City Centre.
The five new members of the Order with Cllr Robert Dryden (Grand Master, in the white robes), from left to right, Mr Mihail Stoyanov, Mrs Sofia Stoyanova, Ms Joanne Marie Stannard, Mr Mark Joseph Boden, and Mr Anthony Owen Smith. Picture: Tim Gillett
The Order of St George the Martyr at Great St Mary's Church, Cambridge. Picture: Tim Gillett
The luncheon was opened with a moving address by Grand Master Robert Dryden JP, who welcomed the new members and reminded all present of the Order’s guiding mission:
“Today we honour those whose lives reflect the very virtues St George stood for—courage, justice, and compassion. This Order is not about formality or ceremony alone; it is about the quiet but powerful impact of service. Let this day inspire us to do more, to be more, and to stand for what is right in a world that so desperately needs it.”
This was followed by a keynote address from John Bridge, OBE, DL, who, speaking on behalf of His Majesty King Charles III, offered these words:
“The Order of St George calls on its members not simply to wear its insignia, but to live its values… Today is a moment of recognition, yes. But it is also a moment of recommitment – to continue that example, and to bring light where it's needed most.”
In a particularly meaningful moment, Ambassador Stoychev was conferred the title of Honorary Knight of the Order, symbolising the enduring friendship between the Order and the Bulgarian community in the UK. In his speech, the Ambassador expressed his gratitude and spoke of the strong bonds uniting the Bulgarian diaspora with British society through shared values and civic engagement:
“St George is a revered saint in Bulgaria, a national symbol of strength and sacrifice. This honour affirms the connection between our two nations and opens the door to future cooperation—perhaps even a formal branch of the Order in Bulgaria itself.”
Included below are a few selected photos from the luncheon tables, capturing moments of fellowship during the delicious lunch prepared by the Hilton Cambridge City Centre team.
As per the longstanding tradition of the Order, the Investiture Ceremony concluded with a charitable act, reflecting the organisation’s commitment to community service. This year, the Order donated £2,000 to Riding for the Disabled, supporting therapeutic horse-riding programmes that improve the lives of children and adults with physical and learning disabilities.
Closing the event, Grand Prior Richard Brown expressed gratitude on behalf of the Order and conveyed warm wishes from His Majesty The King, who had been informed of the day’s proceedings:
“Each year, I write to The King to inform him of our new Postulants and the good works we’ve achieved. His Majesty expresses his great thanks and wishes us a successful year ahead.”
The Grand Prior also announced that the next Investiture Ceremony has been scheduled for Saturday, 16 May 2026, once again at Great St Mary’s Church, inviting all members and supporters to return for another day of celebration, reflection, and renewal.
The 2025 Investiture Ceremony stood as a shining example of what the Order of St George the Martyr represents: a living tradition rooted in service, honour, and unity—ever open to those who lead by example and act with purpose.