The Duchess of Northumberland has been awarded a Dame Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (DCVO) by His Majesty The King.

This honour acknowledges Jane Percy's personal service as the former Lord-Lieutenant of Northumberland.

During her 15 years of service as Lord-Lieutenant, the Duchess promoted the county's numerous volunteers and organisations, and often welcomed royal family members to Northumberland.

The DCVO, founded in 1896 by Queen Victoria, is to reward distinguished personal contributions to the monarch or senior royal representatives.

Dr Caroline Pryer, the current Lord-Lieutenant for Northumberland, said: "I am utterly delighted for The Duchess, our former Lord-Lieutenant of Northumberland, for her sustained, substantial contribution to our county, both locally, nationally and internationally.

"This is such a well-deserved award and we are so very proud of her."

The Duchess of Northumberland said: "I am absolutely thrilled to have been awarded this honour by His Majesty The King.

"During the past 15 years when I served as Northumberland’s first female Lord-Lieutenant, it was a huge privilege to welcome many members of the royal family to our wonderful county and to introduce them to individuals and communities who had worked tirelessly for the benefit of others.

"I remain actively involved in Northumberland life, its charities and our communities and this will continue as a priority."