by Charmian Roberts on February 2, 2012

My Day at Buckingham Palace!

Last June I received notice that I had been awarded an MBE for Services to Education and last week, on January 26th 2012, it was the big day. I went to Buckingham Palace to receive my award!

The day saw an early start on the 6.22am train from Doncaster and when we arrived at Kings Cross and took a taxi to Green Park, the taxi driver seemed to know that it would be Prince Charles doing the Investiture and that Colin Firth was getting his award!

By now texts were arriving full of good wishes and congratulations, which were very comforting but did nothing to relieve the nerves and increasing state of stress that I was in.

We walked across the park to the Palace and went through our security checks and followed Colin Firth, with his wife, son and mother up the Palace steps. Much nudging and grinning from my son and daughter!

I was now separated from my family and directed to the Gallery where all the recipients mingled for a while and I met some really interesting people. One guy had worked at the Houses of Parliament for 42 years in the maintenance team and talked me through each Prime Minister and then there was the lovely Ashid, who was deaf and dumb and being recognised for his charity work with disability. He asked me through his interpreter and friend if I was nervous. The fourth application of lipstick had given me away!

We watched several knighthoods and had twice been given our brief on what to do. It was soon my turn!

I followed the equerry until we got to the hall where people were disappearing into the Ballroom to their next waiting station. My mind was firmly fixed on; curtsey, step forward, chat, chat, shake hands, reverse and curtsey, then leave the Ballroom, without embarrassing myself in any way!

Charmian, Mrs Roberts, MBE for Services to Education………..

Fix smile, walk forward, turn to the Prince curtsey and step forward.

HRH: I am pleased to present you with this award for your work with in education, which is much appreciated.

Me: Thank you Your Royal Highness, I really love the work I do and to be recognised for it is fabulous.

HRH: I expect a lot of businesses take part.

Me: Yes work experience is biggest national programme.

HRH: Well carry on the great work.

HRH offers his hand and this is my cue to exit, to back off and curtsey.

A huge smile of relief and pleasure sweeps my face and off I go with my medal to the Ballroom. After a quick look at Colin Firth and his family clearly enjoying the day I go to my own proud family sitting at the other end of his row.

I glance up to appreciate the truly fabulous surroundings where large banquets and dinners are held, glittering chandeliers and magnificent architecture. All the famous people, kings and queens and statesmen who have graced this room and here was little old me! I opened the box for my first real look at my MBE. Wow, a lovely dark pink ribbon in a bow with the medal hanging from it, for me, Charmian Roberts MBE.

Finally we stand for the National Anthem, as the Prince and his entourage leave the Ballroom and then we have photographs in the quadrangle.

What a truly memorable and special day!