GROSVENOR property tycoon the Duke of Westminster, whose family seat is Eaton Hall, near Chester, has been made a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (RVO).

The RVO is given by the Queen to people who have served her or the monarchy in a personal way. It is bestowed independently of 10 Downing Street.

The Duke spent a decade advising the Prince of Wales’ Duchy of Cornwall estate as a member of its Prince’s Council, until leaving the post last year.

Former Cheshire chief constable Peter Fahy has been made a KBE.

Sir Fahy, who still lives in the county, was head of the force from 2002 until September 2008, when he then took on the role of chief constable of Greater Manchester Police.

He said: “My parents came to this country as very poor Irish immigrants in the late fifties and the fact in one generation I can get to this position says a lot about why this is such a great country.”

Cheshire Constabulary has had more reason to celebrate as Karen Watkins, the force’s director of corporate services, was made an MBE for services to policing.

Cheshire Police Authority chairman Margaret Ollerenshaw said: “The award recognises the sterling work done by Karen, and by the constabulary as a whole, to deliver policing in Cheshire.

“A lot of that work is unseen by the general public, but is vitally important.“The authority has always had total confidence in her. I am delighted she is going to receive this award.”

Ms Watkins said: “I’m thrilled. It is a real honour and it really acknowledges what everybody here does and what they are achieving.”