The Queen's representative in Kent has been given a special honour for his services to the monarchy.

Allan Willett CMG, the Lord Lieutenant of Kent, has been appointed a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (CVO).

It comes as he prepares to step down from the role on August 24, when he turns 75.

He will be succeeded by The Viscount De L'Isle, from Tonbridge.

Mr Willett, a philanthropist and former international businessman, was honoured in The Queen's Birthday Honours List.

The CVO is given by The Queen only to people who have served her on the monarchy in a personal way.

Mr Willett's duties included looking after the Royal Family and heads of state on official visits to Kent. He was appointed in 2002.

He said: "Naturally I'm delighted to be honoured in this way, especially as the Royal Victorian order is the personal gift of The Queen."

Lord De L'Isle, who was confirmed as the New Lord Lieutenant by the Prime Minister's Office, was born Philip Sidney in 1945, and is a descendant of the 16th century soldier poet.

He served with the Grenadier Guards from 1966 and was awarded an MBE in 1977. He retired from the Army as a Major in 1979 to manage Penshurst Place.

He married Isobel, nee Compton, in 1980, and they have two children.

Lord De L'Isle has been a Deputy Lieutenant for 15 years. He thanked Mr Willett for his "dedicated service and generosity to the county".