Lisbon – 10 October 2025. His Majesty’s Honorary Consul-General of the Kingdom of Tonga to the Portuguese Republic, Anthony Bailey, attended the official ceremony held in the State Rooms of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Palácio das Necessidades, Lisbon, on 7 October 2025, following an invitation issued by H.E. Professor Paulo Rangel, Minister of State and Foreign Affairs of Portugal.
The ceremony marked the formal investiture of Dr Charles Tannock MBE into the Order of Prince Henry the Navigator (Ordem do Infante Dom Henrique), in the grade of Commander (Comendador). The decoration was conferred by the President of the Portuguese Republic, Professor Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, and the insignia were presented by Professor Paulo Rangel.
During the ceremony, the Honorary Consul-General held discussions with Foreign Minister Rangel concerning matters of bilateral and multilateral interest involving the Kingdom of Tonga and the Portuguese Republic.
The event gathered members of the diplomatic corps, senior officials, and a broad representation of individuals associated with Dr Tannock, including long-standing colleagues, friends, and international partners. Among those present were the Ambassador of Ireland, H.E. Alma Ní Chonchúir, and the Ambassador of the United Kingdom, H.E. Lisa Finlay, reflecting the honouree’s dual nationality and his extensive engagement in European and international public life.
The Order of Prince Henry the Navigator, established on 2 June 1960 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the death of Prince Henry, recognises individuals—Portuguese and foreign—who have rendered notable services to Portugal, particularly in promoting Portuguese culture, language, history, maritime heritage, and international cooperation. The grade of Commander represents a distinguished level of merit.
Dr Tannock, who spent part of his early life in Portugal and is fluent in Portuguese, was honoured for his significant contributions to Portugal, to Europe, and to the wider Lusophone world.
Mr Bailey himself holds the grade of Commander of the Order of Prince Henry the Navigator, having been awarded the distinction on 12 July 2005, in recognition of his services to Portugal and the Portuguese-speaking world.
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