Summary
The efforts of police officers responsible for the safety and security of high-profile individuals, have been recognised in King Charles III’s New Year Honours list.
The efforts of police officers responsible for the safety and security of high-profile individuals, including members of the royal family and prominent figures in public life, have been recognised in King Charles III’s New Year Honours list.
Three Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) officers – Retired Superintendent Richard Munns, Inspector Steven Tanner, and PC Daniel Hatton – have been recognised for their service to the Royalty and Specialist Protection Unit (RaSP), one of CTP’s specialist functions sitting within CTP London’s command.
The Met’s Deputy Assistant Commissioner (DAC), Kevin Southworth, has also been honoured for an exemplary career which includes leading operational support in the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command in 2017 – helping to deliver essential operational support services, forensics and intelligence capabilities during the response to multiple terrorist attacks.
DAC Southworth and Superintendent Munns are the recipients of the King’s Police Medal (KPM), while Inspector Tanner and PC Hatton have been awarded the Member of the Royal Victorian Order (MVO).
Head of Counter Terrorism Policing, Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor said: “It is with a huge sense of pride that I congratulate my colleagues on receiving these prestigious honours. They have each been recognised for outstanding service across many years – exemplifying the protection Counter Terrorism Policing offers the UK against a myriad of threats.
“They are being honoured for their commitment, dedication and professionalism, the same values I so often see reflected in the work of the many officers and staff working across CTP to protect our country. I hope that this recognition goes some way to demonstrating to their family and friends how important their efforts have been over the years, and that they will share in my sense of pride in seeing these officers honoured in this way.
“To be recognised in the New Years Honours shows the public how valued a contribution they make to the UK’s safety and security.”
You can find the full list of all 2026 King’s New Year Honours recipients here
Retired Superintendent Richard Munns – KPM King’s Police Medal (KPM)
Before his retirement in September this year, Richard was the single point of command expertise, nationally, for close protection. He was recognised by his contemporaries, seniors and those that he led, as one of the finest firearms and public order commanders that British policing had seen in the last 15 years. Over his service, he dealt with some of the most significant incidents and operations in policing, including the terrorist attack at Fishmongers Hall in November 2019, and the safety and security of multiple high-profile individuals.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Kevin Southworth – King’s Police Medal (KPM)
Kevin is a highly respected leader with a career spanning over 28 years. In 2017, he oversaw operational support in the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command. His leadership ensured essential operational support services, forensics and intelligence capabilities were focused on responding to the terrorist attacks and mitigating associated threats throughout the year, and across the country. More recently, he has been the Met’s chief officer for public protection, and has displayed an exemplary dedication to public service.
Reflecting on his award, DAC Southworth said: “I am delighted and humbled in equal measure to be included in this year’s Honours. I take the view that anything we ever successfully achieve in policing is invariably down to those we have been fortunate enough to serve with, so it’s a timely moment for me to thank all those who have worked with, and supported, me throughout my many years in the Met.”
Inspector Steven Tanner – Member of the Royal Victorian Order (MVO)
Steven has dedicated 16 years of his career to the work of Royalty and Specialist Protection, spending most of that time working exclusively on the protection of the Royal family. His career has seen him manage protection for high profile individuals during the 2012 London Olympics, and notably, he has provided personal protection to HM King Charles III (then Prince of Wales), and HM Queen Camilla (then Duchess of Cornwall).
PC Daniel Hatton – Member of the Royal Victorian Order (MVO)
Serving the Royal Household as part of Royalty and Specialist Protection since 2012, Daniel’s career has seen him work on planning and protective security across London Palaces, and for the past two years, he has led protection and security at Windsor Castle. This has included planning for an incredible 176 royal events, and the successful delivery of armed and unarmed security for 10 royal events over just three months this summer. He is also recognised for his unquestionable commitment and enthusiasm.
Commenting on his honour, Daniel said: “I am truly delighted and honoured to have received this appointment – it is a tremendous privilege. I am fortunate to work closely with the Royal Household, other partners and with my colleagues, whose dedication and teamwork ensure we maintain the highest standards of protection and security for all our Royal Residential Events across our sites.”
Congratulations to all those recognised.