Beamish chief executive Rhiannon Hiles has received her CBE from the Prince of Wales at Windsor Castle, recognising her contribution to museums and the culture and heritage of North East England.
Rhiannon, who was named in the King’s Birthday Honours earlier this year, attended the investiture ceremony on Tuesday (November 10), wearing an Edwardian-inspired outfit made by the museum’s own costume team.
The occasion marked another milestone in a career spanning more than three decades at Beamish, The Living Museum of the North, which she first joined as a volunteer in 1995.
“It was a tremendous honour and an immensely proud moment to receive the CBE at the ceremony at Windsor Castle,” she said.
“I am incredibly passionate about the North East and its people – it means such a lot to be recognised for services to museums and to the culture and heritage in the region. Leading Beamish and our brilliant team of staff and volunteers is a real privilege, and this honour is testament to everyone involved.”
Rhiannon, who grew up on a smallholding in County Durham, has been chief executive since 2021 and now leads a team of 520 staff and 400 volunteers.
Under her leadership, the museum has continued to develop its role as both a major visitor attraction and a charity dedicated to preserving the region’s social, industrial and rural heritage.
Last year, Beamish welcomed more than 815,000 visitors and was named Art Fund Museum of the Year 2025, winning the world’s largest museum prize.
Reflecting on the ceremony, Rhiannon said: “Attending yesterday’s ceremony, and talking to His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales about Beamish and our impact, was a truly wonderful experience.”
Chris Loughran, chair of Beamish, paid tribute to her commitment to the museum and the region.
“Rhiannon is always the first to celebrate others – especially the staff and volunteers at Beamish. But yesterday was all about celebrating Rhiannon’s extraordinary dedication and commitment to the museum, the North East and the country as an inspiring leader of a world-renowned museum.”
Rhiannon also holds a number of regional and national roles, including positions with Visit County Durham, the National Museum Directors’ Council and the Association of European Open Air Museums.
She said she hoped to build on Beamish’s achievements, working with partners to champion the North East and create further opportunities for its communities.