Prince William awards MBE to Marcus Rashford as football star's mum watches on
Prince William has made soccer star Marcus Rashford a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) during an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle.
A special guest watched on as the Duke of Cambridge presented the footballer with the honour on Tuesday morning for his charity work during the coronavirus pandemic.
The 24-year-old England and Manchester United striker took his mum, Melanie Rashford, with him to the ceremony.
Footballer Marcus Rashford is made an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) by the Duke of Cambridge during an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle AP
Marcus Rashford with his mum Melanie Rashford proudly posed for photos outside in the gardens of the Queen's residence before the ceremony AP
The mother and son duo proudly posed for photos outside in the gardens of the Queen's residence before the ceremony.
Before the event, Prince William — who is also Football Association (FA) President — took to Twitter sharing a rare, personally penned message.
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"Pleased to be back doing investitures in person, celebrating people across the UK who have gone above and beyond for their country and community," he said.
After the official duties were over, another post on Twitter congratulated the man of the moment.
Before the event, Prince William — who is also Football Association (FA) President — took to Twitter sharing a rare, personally penned message AP
The 24-year-old England striker's mum watched on during the ceremony as Prince William afixed the award on Marcus's coat AP
"Congratulations @MarcusRashford Keep continuing the vital work you are doing for vulnerable children across the UK," the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's account tweeted alongside pictures from the ceremony.
The football star was recognised for services to vulnerable children in the UK during the pandemic.
Rashford started a campaign that helped feed 1.3 million of Britain's poorest kids over the summer holidays last year and prompted a change to the UK Government's policies on free school meals vouchers during lockdown.
The campaign saw the footballer become a national hero and he's continued to campaign against child poverty ever since.
The soccer star was recognised for services to Vulnerable Children in the UK during COVID-19 AP
When news first broke last year that the Manchester United player would be given an MBE for his efforts, after being named in the Queen's Birthday Honours list, he said he was "honoured and humbled" before dedicating the award to his mum.
"As a young black man from Wythenshawe, never did I think I would be accepting an MBE, never mind an MBE at the age of 22," he said in an emotional social media post.
"This is a very special moment for myself and my family, but particularly my mum who is the real deserving recipient of the honour."
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