Sir Terry celebrates knighthood with friends and colleagues

President and co-founder of Hostage International, Sir Terry Waite KCMG CBE, celebrated his knighthood with friends, staff and volunteers from three charities close to his heart – Hostage International, Emmaus and Y-Care.

Sir Terry was appointed Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George (KCMG) in the King’s first Birthday Honours earlier this year for his services to charity.

Following his investiture by King Charles at Buckingham Palace on 8 November 2023, Sir Terry attended a small lunch party hosted by Emmaus, Greenwich.

Wearing his new medal and insignia, Sir Terry said: “We do live in troubled times and people ask, ‘what can we do?’, and while most of us can do very little about the larger political situations, we can make a difference within our own sphere.”

He went on to explain, “Sharing love, care, and compassion can make a difference.”

A handful of trustees and staff – past and present – from Hostage International joined to celebrate, and Terry thanked all those involved and highlighted that the charity has ‘developed remarkably over the last few years’.

He added: “I am only a figurehead for this award, the people who really should be  acknowledged are the volunteers and staff of the various charities that have worked so hard over the years for other people; they’ve done so much, and I wanted to share with them and I can’t say how grateful I am to you for showing your support.”

Some members of the Hostage International team: Georgina Cooper, communications & engagement manager, Lara Symons, CEO, Sir Terry Waite, co-founder and president,  Phil Bigley OBE, chair.

Images ©Emmaus International / Melissa Page

13 November 2023