Oxfordshire-based Boney M lead singer Liz Mitchell has received her MBE from King Charles.

The 72-year-old, who lives in Henley, revealed she is proud to be the second person in her family to receive an MBE almost a decade after her late father received the same award.

The Boney M R&B music group were created by German record producer Frank Farian in the mid-1970s as Ms Mitchell starred alongside fellow lead vocalist Marcia Barrett and dancers Maizie Williams and Bobby Farrell.

The original lead singer of the disco group has now been made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the King’s Birthday Honours list for her services to music and to charity.

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Liz Mitchell at Windsor Castle on Tuesday, November 12.Liz Mitchell at Windsor Castle on Tuesday, November 12. (Image: Liz Mitchell)

Her father Norman died at the age of 103 in May this year, and she added that having two people in the same family honoured is a real achievement.

"I heard I was going to get the MBE while I was burying my father in Jamaica," said Ms Mitchell.

"I arrived in Jamaica in June, because he died in May, and I travelled to Jamaica for his second funeral."

"It was because my father had received the award as well for his community services," she said.

"Everyone was like 'it's like a message from your dad'."

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Liz Mitchell with the rest of Boney M.Liz Mitchell with the rest of Boney M.

Ms Mitchell's father received his MBE in 2014 for services to the community.

"He was the champion for senior citizens, he was older than some of them," she added.

"He was also like a nurse. When the people were too old to move, my dad was one of those people who would go and help them.

"He carried out all kinds of work in which he would assist the community. 

"It wasn't just the people he knew, he would help the mayor, the MP, the pastures - I think he knew every pasture in his area.

"He was just that person who was the community man, who felt responsible for his community.

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"He was very proud of his MBE. I think he wore his badge everywhere."

"I was reminded by someone that this it isn’t just given out to family members.

"To have two members of the family have an MBE shows that we - as the people from the Windrush generation - have tried really hard to work hard and be the best we can be in this country.

"I am very happy that I am receiving it. I feel also proud for my parents.

"They came to this country and you have heard about the Windrush story, and how many people from the West Indies have felt this neglected and haven't received the acknowledgment they should have."

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