LONDON:- Ex Gurkha Major Chakra Bahadur Khatri has been honored with the prestigious British state award, ‘Member of the Order of the British Empire’ (MBE). King Charles III of the United Kingdom presented the award to him during a special investiture ceremony held at Windsor Castle on June 23, 2026.
Major Khatri’s name had previously been announced on December 31, 2025, as part of the 2026 New Year Honours list. Subsequently, he attended the formal ceremony to receive the prestigious MBE medal from King Charles.
The MBE is a prestigious state honour awarded by the UK government to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the nation, society, military service, public service, education, health, the arts, science, or the community.
This honour is announced via the New Year Honours list or the King’s Birthday Honours list, and the medal is subsequently formally presented by the King or a senior member of the Royal Family at a special ceremony held at Windsor Castle, Buckingham Palace, or another royal residence.
Major Khatri, of The Queen’s Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment, enlisted in the British Gurkha Army on 13 November 1990. He is currently serving as a Staff Officer Grade-2 at British Army Headquarters, Andover, where he leads the planning, coordination, and execution of military equipment and materiel management.
“Exercise Steadfast Defender 24,” conducted under his capable leadership, is considered one of the British Army’s largest deployment and logistical operations in Europe since the Second World War—and the biggest in four decades.
Under that exercise, the management of the preparation, deployment, supply, and redeployment of over 7,000 items of military equipment—ranging from personal weapons to main battle tanks and aerial assets—for six brigades was successfully executed. He stated that he was awarded the MBE honor in high recognition of this significant contribution.