Our congratulations to the five King's alumni who have been recognised in the 2018 Queen's Birthday Honours: Dr Charles Saumarez Smith (KC 1972) has been awarded a Knighthood for services to Art, Architecture and Culture in the UK. Sir Charles is Secretary and Chief Executive of the Royal Academy of Arts, celebrating its 250th anniversary this year. He had previously been awarded a CBE in 2008. A press release from the Cabinet Office read: "Dr Charles Saumarez Smith, Secretary and Chief Executive at the Royal Academy of Arts, is a historian, cultural commentator, writer and academic who has demonstrated unwavering dedication to the advancement of the creative industries in the UK. In his ten year tenure at the RA, he has placed particular emphasis on cultural diplomacy, fostering a culture of sharing exhibitions with international institutions, showcasing the skill of British artists such as David Hockney, Thomas Heatherwick and Anish Kapoor. He has overseen the multi-million pound Burlington Gardens project, which has doubled the footprint of the RA and which has allowed the RA to have a free exhibition offer for the first time in its history. Reflecting his personal commitment to opening up the arts to everyone, and marking the RA’s 250th anniversary, the RA’s collection (which includes works by Constable, Gainsborough and Michelangelo) will go on permanent public display for the first time in centuries, and with no entry cost." Composer, Pianist and Conductor, Dr Thomas Adès (KC 1989) has been awarded a CBE for services to Music. Professor Alison Davenport (KC 1980) of the University of Birmingham has been awarded an OBE for services to Electrochemistry and Corrosion Science. Susanna Eastburn (KC 1987) has been awarded an MBE for services to Music. Susanna is the Chief Executive of Sound and Music, the UK's national agency for new music. Professor Geoffrey Harcourt (KC 1955) has been made a Companion of the Order of Australia for eminent service to higher education as an academic economist and author, particularly in the fields of Post-Keynesian economics, capital theory and economic thought. Responding to Thomas Adès' award, Vice-Provost Professor Nicholas Marston said: "It is excellent to see artistic creativity in the UK being recognised in this fashion. King’s College can boast a remarkable line of composers across many generations; among contemporary figures, Tom Adès stands together with Judith Weir and George Benjamin as one of our many distinguished alumni whose musical and creative talents not only bring lustre to the College but – more importantly – enrich the lives of many people in this country and around the world. We congratulate him very warmly."
