I was presented with my Award by HRH Duke of Edinburgh and Sir Ian McClellan at St James Palace in 1998. I’d given my mum strict instruction not to embarrass me. However, Prince Philip made a beeline for my mum and asked was it “the first time she had ever had the pleasure of such an occasion”, to which mum replied yes. Prince Philip went on to ask did she have any other children, mum remarked yes three others. The cheeky Prince Philip retorted “well think yourself lucky you’ve got one good one out of that lot!”

I repeat this conversation when I need to remind my siblings that my goodness has been certified by HRH!