Madrid, April 20th, 2025.
His Majesty King Charles III has awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) to Pedro Molina, a driver of the British Embassy to Spain and Andorra, and Pere Garriga, the Mayor of Arbúcies.
Pedro Molina joined the Embassy in Madrid in 1993 as a messenger and biker, progressing to his current position as His Majesty’s Ambassador’s driver 25 years ago. His hard work and dedication to the Embassy, as well as to the six Ambassadors and countless visiting Ministerial delegations he has served, are an exemplary record of public service.
The British Ambassador to Spain, Sir Alex Ellis, said:
“Pedro’s commitment and service over the past three decades have been invaluable to the many British ambassadors and to the Embassy in Madrid. His professionalism, dedication, calm and good humor have greatly contributed to a deeper and stronger UK-Spain partnership and the comfort of numerous high-level visitors.”
Pedro Molina said:
“I am proud to receive this award, after three decades working as a driver with several representatives of the United Kingdom in Spain and Andorra. My main goal is that the car is their safe space and an opportunity to pause between meetings and calls.”
Pere Garriga, the Mayor of the Catalan town of Arbúcies, has been recognised for services to the memory of British nationals in Spain following his efforts to commemorate those who died in the 1970 Arbúcies plan crash.
On July 3rd, 1970, a plane traveling from Manchester to Barcelona crashed into the densely forested mountains of The Montseny, near the small village of Arbúcies. This disaster resulted in the single largest loss of British lives on the Iberian Peninsula, with 112 British nationals perishing in the crash.
Mr Garriga, who remembers the accident as a child in Arbúcies, has ensured that the final resting place in the cemetery of Arbúcies, known as el cementiri dels anglesos, the Cemetery of the English, was restored and is maintained with care. Each year the Mr Garriga organises a memorial service on the 3rd of July, ensuring that the tragic accident is remembered with dignity.
Ambassador Alex Ellis said:
“Pere has shown remarkable dedication in commemorating the British nationals who tragically lost their lives in the 1970 plane crash near Arbúcies. I am pleased that his efforts to ensure the victims are remembered with dignity and respect are being honored with a British Empire Medal.”
Pere Garriga said:
“Everything I’ve done over the years has been aimed at improving the quality of life of our citizens and, in the case of the 1970 plane crash, keeping the memory of the victims alive and strengthening ties with their families. It’s a commitment that remains more alive than ever and invites us to continue working with the same spirit of respect, memory, and humanity.”
Photos of Pedro Molina and Pere Garriga are attached.
Honorary awards to foreign nationals in 2025 – GOV.UK
