Queen Elizabeth has appointed a new personal chaplain.
Queen Elizabeth
The 91-year-old monarch has chosen Scottish minister Reverend George Cowie of the South Holburn Church in Aberdeen as the latest chaplain to join her household as a Chaplain-in-Ordinary.
The 53-year-old, who has been a parish minister for 26 years, said in a statement after being appointed: "I felt surprised, humbled and honoured to be offered this appointment as a Chaplain to the Queen in Scotland."
As a chaplain, George is expected to take part in formal state occasions and conduct services at special national events.
George is now one of 10 chaplains to the Queen in Scotland, who hold office until they are 70 years of age, at which point they may retire and a new chaplain is appointed in their place.
Speaking about his new role, Very Reverend Professor Ian Torrance, Dean of the Chapel Royal in Scotland, said of George: "I am truly delighted that The Queen has appointed George Cowie to this trusted role. He was a Clerk to the Presbytery of Aberdeen when it was going through a difficult time.
"George's fairness, integrity and pastoral commitment shone through. He is respected throughout the Church and I am delighted to see him recognised and honoured by the Queen."
George is expected to be officially inducted into the Queen's Scottish household during a ceremonial service in Aberdeen later this year.
Meanwhile, the Queen recently made a charitable donation to the Disasters Emergency Committee's (DEC) East Africa Crisis Appeal, which aims to help the millions of people who face starvation in the east of the continent, where around 800,000 children aged between six months and five years need life saving treatment for their severe malnutrition.
A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said previously: "I can confirm that Her Majesty is making a personal donation to the Disasters Emergency Committee's East Africa Crisis Appeal."
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