THE INSIDE STORY
THE DUKE OF CAMBRIDGE INVESTITURE CEREMONY IS A SIGN OF THE TIMES
With the Duke of Cambridge second in line for the top job, the future of the monarchy is not only in safe hands, but in versatile ones, too. Standing in for the Queen at an investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace, Prince William used sign language to congratulate Alex Duguid, who was made an MBE in recognition of his signing work on TV shows including Coronation Street .
Smiling broadly, William signed: “Congratulations Alex,” (above left), before pinning the insignia on his lapel and getting a signed “thank you” in return (above right). There were also honours for former England cricket captain Andrew Strauss, who received his knighthood, and singer Mathangi Arulpragasam, who will now be known not only as MIA, but also MBE.
The Sri Lankan-born rap star and activist revealed that her honour held special significance for her as it came on a ribbon stitched by her mother Kala, who had spent more than 30 years making them and who accompanied her on the day.
“Today I’m accepting this in honour of my mother, who worked for minimum wage to give us a better life,” she said on social media.
Uploading a photo of the medal pinned to her mum’s sari (left), she added: “Mum actually made this 1!!! They don’t make this ribbon anymore. I actually got one of the MBE medals mum stitched.”
SIR PAUL SMITH AND CAROLINE RUSH TURKISH DELIGHTS AS BRIT STARS TURN ON STYLE
British design legend Sir Paul Smith and Caroline Rush, chief executive of the
