A former charity trustee has received a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the King’s Birthday Honours, published on 13 June, in recognition of his work supporting the Armed Forces community.  

Mark Wills was a trustee of Royal Star & Garter for 21 years, until he stepped down in 2026. The charity provides loving, compassionate care and support for veterans and their families, living with disability or dementia, through care homes and services reaching into the community. 

Mark was an active member of the charity’s governing body, serving since his appointment in 2005 on the Finance Committee, six years as Deputy Chair and four years on the Care Committee. These voluntary roles demanded significant regulatory responsibilities and time commitments. 

Following his service in the Royal Engineers, Mark worked in investment and financial management. During his time as governor, his experience informed the charity’s evolution, moving from its historic home in Richmond, Surrey, in 2013, and building three modern care homes, completing a merger and greatly expanding its services for the veteran community.
 

Mark was instrumental in developing the charity’s investment strategy, specifically focused on ensuring that financial investments were fully optimised. The income from that financial portfolio now funds a significant proportion of its charitable work. Mark also led a governance review of the charity, which resulted in a recent update to its Royal Charter.
 

Chair of Royal Star & Garter’s governing body, Richard Williams MC, commented: “Mark has given significantly of his time and expertise throughout his tenure with us. Without his enormous commitment, skill and diligence, the charity would not have been able to steer through periods of global financial uncertainly whilst remaining in good financial health. He has played a major part in ensuring that Royal Star & Garter will be able to support veterans well into the next century. Mark has been a governor of great consequence and is worthy of this honour in recognition of his immense commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community.” 

Mark commented on his award, saying: “I accept this MBE in recognition of the sacrifices of all those who serve and have served in His Majesty’s Armed Forces and am very humbled to be the recipient of this prestigious honour. Having served in the Armed Forces myself, giving back to the military family as Governor at Royal Star & Garter for 21 years has been a massive privilege and hugely satisfying. Working with fellow Trustees and the senior team has helped the charity care for members of the military family, honouring the military covenant and expanding our range and breadth of services in preparation for the charity’s future challenges.”