Former city council finance convener Willie Young is to be made a Deputy Lieutenant of Aberdeen.
The role for the ex-Bridge of Don Labour councillor, who lost his seat in the local elections in May, was confirmed by the local authority.
It is expected to be announced officially in an upcoming issue of the Edinburgh Gazette.
A Deputy Lieutenant is a Crown appointment and bearers are expected to conduct ceremonial roles, and take on duties relating to royals in the city.
Deputy Lieutenants of Aberdeen are commissioned by the Lord Provost of Aberdeen who, since 1899 by virtue of office, is also Lord Lieutenant of Aberdeen City.
Mr Young, who was sometimes controversial during his period running the city’s finances between 2012 and this year, will be able to add the initials DL after his surname following appointment to the royal role.
A council spokeswoman said: “We can confirm that Mr William Young will be installed as a Deputy Lieutenant by the Lord Provost in his role as Lord Lieutenant.”
Other DLs appointed in the 21st century include Sir Ian Diamond, Andrew Lawtie and Joseph Leiper.
Mr Young and Lord Provost Barney Crockett declined to comment before an official announcement.
Liberal Democrat group leader Ian Yuill said: “This is certainly an appointment that will surprise many Aberdonians as Mr Young was known for having quite a confrontational nature in office.
“I hope that he won’t bring this with him into his new role.”
SNP group leader Stephen Flynn added: “Very little surprises me in politics but I am genuinely stunned at this decision from the Lord Provost.
“I’m instantly reminded of the words of Kezia Dugdale earlier this year when she rightly argued that politics is not about positions or chains round necks – clearly Barney Crockett has opted to continue to ignore that advice.”