Prince William has honored one of Britain’s youngest pioneers with the title of youngest ever MBE.
He presented Carmela Chillery-Watson with this prestigious honor during an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle.
Carmela, who lives with an ultra-rare muscle-wasting disease that affects just one in a million children, has spent more than half her life raising money for Muscular Dystrophy UK.
She has launched around 25 fundraising campaigns and raised more than £400,000 for the charity.
All this before starting high school.
Speaking after the ceremony, the quietly heroic schoolgirl admitted the news left her completely stunned.
“I was speechless,” she said. “I never thought I would get an MBE.
I just wanted to help change communities – but this is absolutely incredible.
The government believes she is the youngest MBE in history, although officials admit royal records do not go back far enough to confirm this with certainty.
Still, it’s safe to say that children don’t usually receive the honors of future kings until lunchtime.
Carmela said Prince William was “very kind” and spoke to her about his charity work and his amazing achievements.
The Prince of Wales seemed genuinely moved by her dedication and resilience.
She was part of a remarkable group of new MBE recipients, including Adjoa Andoh, the famous actress, writer and director celebrated for her role as the formidable Lady Danbury in The Bridgerton Chronicles.
Andoh received his honor for four impressive decades of contributions to British drama.
