In pictures: Deafblind UK chair receives OBE from HRH Princess Anne at Windsor Castle

Photographs have been released that show the chair of Deafblind UK, Robert Nolan, receiving his Order of the British Empire (OBE) from Princess Anne, The Princess Royal, at Windsor Castle.

Nolan became only the second deafblind person ever to receive an OBE when the 2026 investiture ceremony took place on 14 January.

He received the OBE as part of the 2026 New Year Honours List.

Deafblind UK chair, Robert Nolan, receives his OBE from Princess Anne, The Princess Royal, at Windsor Castle on 14 January 2026

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British Ceremonial Arts

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Princess Royal and Robert Nolan during his investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle

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British Ceremonial Arts

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Robert Nolan, with wife Louise, at the ceremony

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Robert Nolan

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Robert and Louise Nolan and their and children, Myfanwy, Joshua and Rebecca, outside Windsor Castle

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Nolan lives with Type 2 Usher Syndrome, and has been the chair of Deafblind UK since 2018. In total, he has spent 26 years volunteering with the charity.

Through various fundraising events he has raised, alongside his wife Louise, more than £80,000 for Deafblind UK.

When the 2026 New Year Honours List was published on 29 December 2025, Nolan said: “I see this honour as a celebration not only of my contribution but of the talent and resilience that is found in the deafblind community as whole.”

Lead image: Robert Nolan at a Deafblind UK roundtable event, held in the House of Commons

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