Former Governor, Sir Edwin Leather, will head to London, England this spring to take part in a historic Royal ceremony.

By command of the Queen, Sir Edwin will depart on April 25 to attend a gathering of the Members of the Royal Victorian Order at Windsor Castle -- the Queen's weekend residence just outside of London.

Sir Edwin will attend a special service in St. George's Chapel, the site for this summer's Royal Wedding of the Queen's youngest son Prince Edward.

After the service Sir Edwin and other Members of the Royal Victorian Order will enjoy a buffet lunch with The Queen and other members of the Royal Family in the State Chambers of the ancient Castle.

The Royal Victorian Order is just one of three ancient Orders in which Sir Edwin is a member. He is also a Knight Commander of the Order of St. Michael and St. George.

Sir Edwin will return to Bermuda from his command performance in plenty of time to commemorate a major milestone in his life -- his 80th birthday on May 22.

Not one to sit around, Sir Edwin then will fly to Canada in June to accept an honorary doctorate from McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario.

Sir Edwin will be presented with his second Doctor of Laws degree during the June 2 convocation ceremonies.

McMaster University holds a special place in Sir Edwin's heart -- he and his dearly departed wife, Lady Sheila Leather, were born in Hamilton, Ontario.

In 1983, Sir Edwin donated the photographic files of his mother, Grace Leather, to the McMaster Library and in 1996 he began donating his own books and papers.

The former British MP began his four-year stint as Governor of Bermuda following the 1973 assassination of the Governor Richard Sharples.

Since he retired as Governor, Sir Edwin has made his home in Bermuda.

Sir Edwin Leather: Off to see the Queen