<p>On the 4th March I ventured down to Buckingham Palace for an audience with Her Majesty to receive my MBE. It was one of those things that I was desperate to get out of the way so that I could have conversations with people that didn’t start with “so, when’s the big day…” . </p>

<p>It was an amazing experience despite hours of waiting around and no food or drink at the Palace. (Maybe I should run a session for them on how to have a party!) The sense of anticipation came from the moment we approached: driving thru the gates; the security checks on the car and ID’s; waiting crowds outside with their cameras dying for a glimpse of someone ‘famous’ (I had to disappoint them on that score but played along with a cheeky wave of the hand!)</p>

<p>Once inside, I relaxed, taking in the splendor and glamour, which the many large mirrors only served to make it seem even bigger and grander. We were separated from our guests (my dad, brother and wife) and shown into a large room where we were to ‘learn’ not only for the ceremony but the audience with The Queen: how to bow/curtsey; when to refer to her as Your Majesty, when as Ma’am; the handshake; responding when Her Majesty speaks to you…. my mischievous streak kicked in several times but I remained on my best behavior! </p>

<p>There was live music from the balcony and it was great having family there to share the experience, pity could only take three guests (I’m from a large family….) and amazingly, without any planning, we were all dressed co-ordinatedly, I matched perfectly with Her Majesty. It was a pity that we only spent 30 seconds together!</p>

<p>The whole experience had a surreal feel to it as if it wasn’t real. But it was - got the ‘badge’ to prove it! An experience I will savor for the rest of my lifetime as don’t envisage it will ever happen again.</p>