Buckingham Palace still gets it wrong: George VI was not Grand Master of the Order of the British Empire

When Buckingham Palace published the announcement of new appointments to several Orders including the Most Noble Order of the Garter and the Order of the British Empire,  the writer of the release made a huge gaffe.   Queen Camilla is the new Grand Master of the Order of the British Empire, following HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, Queen Mary, and King George VI (Prince of Wales 1917-1936).   

There are two errors in this announcement.  George VI was never Prince of Wales or Grand Master of the Order of the British Empire.

Fast forward to today.  Buckingham Palace updated the announcement, changing George VI’s title to Duke of York (1917-1936).    Still two errors.  George VI became Duke of York on June 3, 1920.  However  — and more importantly — GEORGE VI NEVER WAS THE GRAND MASTER OF THE ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE.   

 The release should read Prince Philip,  Queen Mary, and King Edward VIII as Prince of Wales (1917-1936)

The Times June 22, 1917

Please note what the above article states:  The King has appointed THE PRINCE OF WALES to be Grand Master of the Order (of the British Empire).

The Times  February 23, 1923

The Prince of Wales ceased to be the Grand Master of the Order of the British Empire when he succeeded his father as King.  He was now the Sovereign of the Order.   On March 27, 1936, he named his mother, Queen Mary, the new Grand Master of the Order of the British Empire.  She held the position until her death on March 24, 1953.

The Times March 28, 1936

The Times May 20, 1953

Queen Camilla is the new Grand Master of the Order of the British Empire.  She succeeded Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, Queen Mary, and King Edward VIII when he was Prince of Wales.

King George VI became  Sovereign of the Order of the British Empire following King Edward’s abdication in December 1936.

He was not the Grand Master of the Order of the British Empire.   Ever.