CORNWALL’S LGBTQ+ charity and volunteer organisation has been honoured with The King’s Award for Voluntary Service 2025.

The highest accolade a local voluntary group can receive in the UK, The King’s Award rewards Cornwall Pride’s 17 years of community-driven work in promoting equality, acceptance and inclusion across the Duchy.

It also acknowledges the hundreds of volunteers, past and present, who have given their time, creativity and care to help deliver events, outreach programmes and campaigns that champion love and visibility for everyone, everywhere in Cornwall.

Cornwall Pride chair Matthew Kenworthy Gomes said: “From our first Pride in 2008 to the thriving movement we see today, Cornwall Pride has always been by the community, for the community. The King’s Award for Voluntary Service is an incredible honour, and recognises the dedication, kindness and courage of everyone who makes Pride happen across Cornwall.

However, he described the award as “bittersweet”, adding: “While we celebrate how far we’ve come, we know the road to true inclusion is still a long one. That’s exactly why we keep going, together.”

Representatives from Cornwall Pride will receive the award and certificate from Colonel Edward Bolitho OBE, Lord-Lieutenant of Cornwall, in the coming months. Two volunteers will also attend a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in 2026, alongside other King’s Award recipients.

The King’s Award for Voluntary Service was established in 2002 to celebrate HM Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee, and continues under HM King Charles III. It recognises outstanding volunteer-led work that makes a significant difference to local communities.

“For the Cornwall Pride community and supporters - this award belongs to you,” said Mr Kenworthy Gomes. “Every volunteer, performer, partner, business, ally and attendee who has waved a flag, cooked a meal, stewarded a march, or simply showed up in love and solidarity, this is your moment.”