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Raj Aggarwal in Royal Navy Honour

A prominent Cardiff business-man has become the first India-born recipient of the position of Honorary Lieutenant Commander in the Royal Navy.

Raj Aggarwal, a pharmacist and public health expert, will be affiliated to HMS Dragon. He is also India’s Honorary Consul in Wales.


Reacting to the news, Royal Marine Brigadier Graeme “Jock” Fraser said: “His appointment will deepen the relationship between the community and the Royal Navy.

“Your Armed Forces are inclusive employers; we recognise the value of diversity and proudly serve all members of our communities at home and overseas,” he added.

Aggarwal said he wants to use his position to create greater diversity in the Navy and “to show the community that the Navy will be supportive and that there are amazing careers on offer, with first-rate skills-training and opportunities to see the world.”

Aggarwal emigrated from Kenya to Wales in 1967 and studied Pharmacy at Cardiff University. He is the chairman of RK Aggarwal Ltd and ran a successful chain of pharmacies in Cardiff. Aggarwal has held a number of positions on influential boards and as chairman of Kidney Wales.

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British Passports

Anyone whose last passport was issued before January 1, 1994 must apply for what is classed as a “first adult passport

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Brits with passports issued before 1994 may need to apply all over again

  • Passports issued before January 1, 1994 cannot be renewed normally
  • Travellers may need to apply for a “first adult passport” instead
  • Applicants could be asked to provide birth certificates and citizenship documents

Britons planning holidays this year are being urged to check the issue date on their passport carefully, as some older documents may no longer qualify for a standard renewal.

According to guidance on the UK government website, anyone whose last passport was issued before January 1, 1994 must apply for what is classed as a “first adult passport” rather than renewing it in the usual way.

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