Notes on higher awards in the King's Birthday Honours 2025 Overseas and International List
Published 13 June 2025
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GCMG: Knight Grand Cross of the Most Distinguished Order of St Michael and St George
Sir Philip BARTON KCMG OBE
Former Permanent Under-Secretary, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. For services to British Foreign Policy.
Sir Philip Barton is recognised with a GCMG for his exceptional leadership and achievement over a long career, but particularly for the last 5 years when he has served as the UK’s most senior diplomat. This period as the first Permanent Under-Secretary of the merged Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and Head of the UK’s Diplomatic Service, was marked by outstanding dedication, strategic vision, resilience, delivery and compassionate leadership.
KCMG: Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George
Stephen KAVANAGH QPM DL
Lately INTERPOL Executive Director of Police Services. For services to International Policing and Public Safety.
Stephen Kavanagh QPM DL is recognised for his international public service, and track record of success in the role of Executive Director of Police Services at INTERPOL, where he served as the world’s most senior policing official. During his tenure, he set new records for global seizures, cyber disruptions and pursuing organised crime suspects, against the backdrop of fractious geopolitics, the global pandemic and rising international crime. His work to modernise data and analytics will leave a lasting legacy. This followed decades of distinguished service in British law enforcement at the highest levels, including Commander of Scotland Yard SO15, Assistant Commissioner at the Metropolitan Police and as Chief Constable of Essex Police.