 Though largely a symbolic and ceremonial appointment, the post of Lieutenant-Governor is the essential link between Jersey and the Crown, as the Channel Islands are not part of the United Kingdom.Ridgway was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1995 and a Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB) in 2001, as well as receiving the Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service and the US Defense Intelligence Agency Award in 2005.Ridgway was advanced to Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (KBE) in the 2011 Birthday Honours.