A Richmond resident was among more than 1,000 recipients to be recognised in the King's Birthday Honours.

King Charles' first Birthday Honours list was announced last Friday (16 June) paying testament to individuals' contributions to society spanning a range of sectors from sports to education, health, volunteering and travel.

Six London transport workers were including in the prestigous nod acknowledging their contribution to London life, including Richmond's Howard Smith, Director of the Elizabeth Line who has been working at TfL for 25 years.

Mr Smith is being recognised with an OBE for his service to the Elizabeth line and transport in London. A Londoner who has also worked on the DLR, the London Overground and 2012 Games, the Director's vision and dedication to the Elizabeth line has been praised since the railway opened on 24 May 2022.

A year since first launching, the Elizabeth line has transformed travel across London and has already seen more than 155 million customer journeys made so far, with more than 600,000 journeys now being made each weekday.

Howard Smith was recognised alongside Winsome Hull (top left), Monica Cooney and Christian Van Der Nest

Reacting to the news and his OBE, Mr Smith said: "I am thrilled to be receiving this honour and it has been a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work on and open the Elizabeth line, which has transformed the capital.

"The opening and now everyday operation of the Elizabeth line is a testament to all of the different people who worked and pulled together to make it possible – a true team effort. More than 155 million journeys have already taken place on the line and we look forward to even more people getting on board, as they make their way across the capital."

Three of Mr Smith's colleagues from TfL who were also recognised in the King's Birthday Honours were; Monica Cooney, Head of Control Centre Operations, Winsome Hull, Senior Business Strategy Manager and Christian Van der Nest, TfL's Resilience and Partnership Lead. Former employees Gareth Powell and Sharon Young were also honoured.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan said: "London's transport workers have given so much to our great city so I am delighted that Howard, Sharon, Christian, Monica, Winsome and Gareth's enormous contributions have been recognised in this year's King's Birthday Honours. In a year where the eyes of the world have once more been on London, their expertise and hard work have helped ensure the smooth running of the capital for Londoners and visitors to our city."

Andy Lord, London's Transport Commissioner, added: "My congratulations go to Howard, Christian, Monica, Winsome, Sharon and Gareth, who are having their hard work and dedication recognised in this year's King's Birthday Honours. Our capital has faced some of its biggest challenges and opportunities over the past few years and it is because of the efforts of colleagues such as those being recognised that we are able to make a difference to those living, working and travelling in London."