Tony Worth has been recognised for his role as Lord-Lieutenant of Lincolnshire just a few weeks before he retires.
The Holbeach Hurn businessman is 75 on February 23, the age when holders of the prestigious role of Her Majesty’s representative in the county must stand down.
He has been made Commander of the Royal Victorian Order, an honour given by The Queen to people who have served her.
Mr Worth – whose family firm AH Worth and Co farms 4,500 acres and owns QV Foods – was appointed to the role in October 2008, following the death of Bridget Cracroft-Eley to whom he had served as vice for two years.
The Diamond Jubilee and wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are two of Mr Worth’s highlights.
He said: “I’m coming to the end of my time. It’s been a real honour to be Lord-Lieutenant and this is the icing on the cake.”
He added: “I’m pleased that the county has been recognised.”
