Former Royal Marine and bodyguard to the Queen Graham Dear was recognised in the New Year Honours list for the second time in 25 years.

Mr Dear, 69, has been awarded the Royal Victorian Medal in recognition of his role in the Queen’s Body Guard of the Yeoman of the Guard. The medal is only awarded to members of the Royal Household.

He was made an MBE in the New Year Honours in 1989 for his service to the Royal Marines.

As one of 60 bodyguards to the Queen, he assists Her Majesty at state occasions and visits. He will continue working in the role until the end of this year before taking retirement.
He said: “It’s wonderful. I’m so very pleased.”

Born and raised in Cain Hill, Aberdeen, Mr Dear moved to Deal in 1963 to join the Royal Marines, aged 18.

He served for 25 years in various units, including 41 Commando, 45 Commando and HMS Eskimo, achieving the rank of Warrant Officer First Class, Regimental Sergeant Major.
His final appointment was as Regimental Sergeant Major in 42 Commando in Bickleigh, Plymouth.

He later worked at the Houses of Parliament as the principal doorkeeper, being responsible for the security of the chamber.

Mr Dear has been married to Rosemary for 40 years. The couple live in James Hall Gardens, Walmer. They married at St Michael’s Church in Deal barracks in 1973 and went on to have two children, Claire and Colin.

Colin has remained in Deal, living in Argyll Court, while Claire lives in London.

Mr Dear said: “When I was in the Marines I would be away for three or four months at a time. I spent every winter in Norway.
“Then when I worked in London, I would drive up on a Sunday night and stay up there all week, only coming back for the weekends.”

Mr Dear was once captain and is now chairman of Walmer and Kingsdown Golf Club.
He said: “I don’t think I’ll ever retire properly. I like being busy. I’m always busy down at the golf club and I enjoy taking the time to organise Royal Marine reunions.”

He is currently appearing in the pantomime Skinderella, produced and performed by former Royal Marines, at the Astor Community Theatre playing the character of Quatada.
The panto is sold out and the final show will be performed on Saturday.