Windsor Castle ceremony held on 10th May 2023

James Glass presented with MBE by The Prince of Wales


Chief Islander James Glass with his MBE in the grounds of Windsor Castle

Chief Islander James Glass was at Windsor Castle on 10th May 2023 for his investiture as a Member of the Order of the British Empire. The investiture was made by HRH William, Prince of Wales who spent several minutes discussing Tristan da Cunha's Marine Protection Zone. The investiture took place in the Grand Reception Room at Windsor Castle.

James Glass proudly wears his MBE medal alongside his wife Felicity at Windsor Castle.

HE Governor Nigel Phillips announced the New Year 2023 Honours appointment as endorsed by His Majesty The King, which was published in the Overseas and International Honours list on Saturday, 31st December 2022. James' citation read:

  • Mr James Patrick Glass, Chief Islander of Tristan da Cunha is appointed MBE for Services to the Marine Environment of Tristan da Cunha.

James Glass is being recognised for his dedicated involvement in driving forward the establishment of the internationally acknowledged Tristan da Cunha Marine Protection Zone (MPZ) that was officially announced in October 2020. This zone covers 90% of Tristan’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and totals almost 700,000km2 of strictly protected ocean. This was a massive achievement and huge step towards the UK Government’s objective of protecting the world’s oceans. James is also heavily involved in the wider marine conservation, leading on projects to gather crucial data to monitor the marine environment and to develop protective measures for the various species.

With over forty years of expert marine knowledge, James has contributed greatly to the sustainability of the Tristan Lobster fishery, which brings in over half of the island’s income. The lobster fishery is Marine Stewardship Council-certified, due to a great extent of his work.

In addition to his outstanding contribution in establishing the MPZ and the Lobster fishery, James has been an invaluable figure of inspiration and leadership to the people of Tristan having served on the island Council for over 40 years and is currently serving his fifth term as Chief Islander.

See also : www.tristandc.com/news-2022-12-30-jamesglassmbe.php for more information about James Glass.