Yvonne Norton – investiture, 23rd May 2007

I was thrilled to be awarded the MBE in the Queen’s New Year Honours list on 1st January 2007 and eagerly awaited the ‘call to the Palace’ which came on Wednesday, 23rd May.

I had a wonderful two days celebrating the investiture of the award. Pete and myself drove down to London on Tuesday, 22nd and, on stopping for lunch at Greenford, Pete gave me an envelope from Kieron & Carly containing tickets for the London Eye – a lovely surprise. Following the ride on the London Eye, we drove to the hotel, had a cuppa and changed then walked (well, Pete walked) to the Prince of Wales Theatre where we saw “Mamma Mia”. It was an excellent show. We stopped for supper on the way back to the hotel to ‘round off’ a really good day.

Wednesday morning, Calvin, Kieron and Carly arrived at the hotel at 9am and we drove to Buckingham Palace. What a feeling driving through the main gates of the Palace! A steward was waiting for me at the Choirmaster’s Door and whisked me off to the lift to the Picture Gallery so avoiding the Grand Staircase. I next saw my Family about an hour later when I was taken through the Ballroom (where all Guests were seated) to another Gallery where I waited until my turn came to be announced.

The Queen, who wore a simple, plain beige dress, was very gracious and it was apparent that she knows something about Lupus. After fixing the medal to my jacket and a short conversation, The Queen shook my hand (very lightly) and the steward took me out of the Ballroom. My medal was removed from my jacket and returned to me in a presentation box along with a souvenir booklet listing the names of that day’s award recipients. I was then taken to the back of the Ballroom from where I watched the rest of the ceremony. Following the National Anthem (a small orchestra had been playing before and during the ceremony), the Queen walked between the rows of Guests, past where I was sitting and out of the Ballroom, all the time wearing a lovely smile.

Following a photo session in the Palace courtyard, we then drove to the House of Commons where MPs and Peers were waiting on the Terrace for a champagne reception organised by Ian Austin MP. I was thrilled to receive a massive flower arrangement and the congratulations not only of the invited Peers and MPs but, also, several more that were using the Terrace.

The weather was glorious and I could not have wished for a better day which ended with a family meal during the journey back home.

I am extremely grateful to my friends, WMLG members, consultants and MPs who lobbied for my award over three years. My special thanks go to Jannet and Kieron who made it all possible.