The medal was awarded for their support in the build up to and during the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III and his wife Queen Camilla in 2023. Sodexo supplied around-the-clock services including the provision of more than 50,000 meals ahead of and during the official events to mark the Coronation.
Sodexo employees from bases within Project Allenby/Connaught received a medal for serving an additional 6,000 breakfasts, on some days from 3am, 4,000 lunches, 2,200 packed lunches and 5,800 dinners.
Rehearsals for the historic event were held at Aldershot Garrison, during which Sodexo’s teams hosted a number of visiting VIPs including Prince Edward and his wife Sophie the Duchess of Edinburgh.
Sodexo’s employees from RAF Halton in Aylesbury and RAF Odiham, part of the Hestia South contract, also received a medal. RAF Halton was used a base for 950 personnel and to cater for the increase in personnel numbers.
Paul Anstey, chief executive of Government at Sodexo UK & Ireland, said: “The King’s Coronation was a historic moment with personnel from across the Armed Forces playing an important part in the official celebrations.
“We are honoured that our colleagues who worked throughout the build-up and during the event itself have been recognised with the King’s Coronation medal alongside others from our partners the Defence Infrastructure Organisation, ADSL and other organisations.
“I am proud of all of our teams who distinguished themselves and ensured this amazingly large and complex operation ran smoothly for our military partners at Project Allenby/Connaught and Hestia South as well as those who supported at other military bases including Colchester Garrison who provided additional support to members of the 16 Air Assault Brigade Combat Team.
“Seeing first-hand the hard work and dedication of the troops in preparing for an event like this reinforces the importance of providing them with the best lived experience possible.”
Sodexo has worked with the British military and defence sites for more than 40 years, with tailored solutions to help military leaders and service units improve the quality of life of individuals, the community and on-site environment.