Buckingham Palace has announced that Dame Sarah Connolly will receive the King’s Medal for Music.

The palace said in a statement that Connolly was “an exceptional artist” and role model, and commended her for her advocacy for greater support for the arts.

In a statement, the mezzo added, “I feel incredibly honoured to receive this medal from my peers, and from King Charles whose personal involvement in the Arts means so much. The United Kingdom’s musical influence is global, and cannot be underestimated. Our success will continue with supportive, loud voices.”

Connolly was invested as a DBE in the 2017 Birthday Honours, having been awarded a CBE in the 2010 New Year Honours. In 2020, she was made an Honorary Member of the Royal Philharmonic Society in recognition of her services to music.

According to a press release, the nominating process for the award is overseen by a committee chaired by the Master of The King’s Music, Judith Weir. Connolly will receive the Medal during an Audience with His Majesty in 2024.