The Queen has honoured Lady Elizabeth Anson by awarding her the Commander of The Victorian Order (CVO), an award in the personal gift of the Sovereign.
 
The Royal Victorian Order is a dynastic order of knighthood, established in 1896 by Queen Victoria. It recognises distinguished personal service to the Monarch.
 
Lady Elizabeth is a cousin of the Queen, born at Windsor Castle to Viscount Anson and Anne Bowes-Lyon, the future Princess Anne of Denmark. Her Godfather was the Queen’s father King George VI.  In 1972 she married the society photographer Sir Geoffrey Shakerley at Westminster Abbey, with Princess Anne as her bridesmaid, they were divorced in 2009.
 
Lady Elizabeth has been planning parties for the Queen, who requires meticulous attention to detail at her events. Since 1960 she has also planned events for members of the British Royal Family, foreign Royal Families, and Heads of State.  Her brother Patrick Anson, 5th Earl of Lichfield, was the renowned Royal photographer.  At 18, Harpers and Queen’s Betty Kenward asked Lady Elizabeth to organise her first Debutante Ball.  
 
Party Planners was founded by Lady Elizabeth in 1960, and organises events large and small, grand and simple, from tea parties to dances, charity balls, weddings and State Banquets.  All events show flair that is her trademark. The roll call of private clients, both British and international, employing Party Planners is a veritable Who’s Who of the famous, alongside the most prominent corporate clients.
 
Lady Elizabeth has been involved in many charity events, and has regularly fundraised for the Castle of Mey Trust, including an annual Patrons’ Party at the 5-star Goring Hotel in London’s Belgravia, frequently attended by the Queen.