An Honorary Chaplain to the Queen (QHC)[1] is a member of the clergy within the United Kingdom, who, through long and distinguished service, is appointed to minister to the monarch of the United Kingdom. Although usually an Anglican priest or a Church of Scotland minister, a member of the clergy from any faith tradition may be appointed. When George VI reigned, Honorary Chaplains were known as Honorary Chaplains to the King. At present there are 33 appointees.[2]
Honorary Chaplains wear a red cassock and a special bronze badge consisting of the royal cypher and crown within an oval wreath. The badge is worn above medal ribbons or miniature medals during the conduct of religious services on the left side of the scarf by chaplains who wear the scarf and on academic or ordinary clerical dress by other chaplains.[3]