Dr. Chris meets the Queen and receives his MBE

My Visit to Buckingham Palace



In November last year I received an impressive envelope, officially stamped from the Office of the Prime Minister, 10 Downing Street. My initial reaction was ... Good God, the Taxman has finally reported me to No 10 and this was the ultimate Final Tax Demand! When I read the letter, inviting me to accept the honour of receiving an MBE, I have to admit that tears just filled my eyes - it was a very emotional moment, I can tell you, as I told my wife and our four kids. You are then told that you will hear nothing until you receive the final invitation to the Palace - the waiting was disturbing - I thought they'd forgotten me, but eventually all the official papers arrived telling me to arrive at Buckingham Palace at 10am on June 4th.

You're allowed to take 3 guests. I'd planned to take my wife Monica, my youngest son, Andrew, and my mother. However, my mother decided at the last moment she couldn't go, because she recently had a spinal fracture due to osteoporosis. This was a great disappointment for her and of course for me, but was probably the best decision because she probably wouldn't have been able to cope with the Grand Staircase at the Palace.

The ceremony is called an Investiture. When I looked at all the names of those receiving awards, it struck me that my award was really insignificant. I was surrounded by soldiers dressed in their full official regalia, and then I realised that these guys were the ones who really were 'those worthy' of medals. The soldier sitting next to me, although looking resplendent in his full military uniform, was a very humble guy. He showed me his medal - it was a very impressive medal - the DSO - the Distinguished Service Order. I asked him why he got it, he replied "for services in Afghanistan", then I pushed him further, asking "What exactly, did you do?" .... he replied ... "Sorry, Sir, I can't tell you that.' Then I realised I may have been talking to an SAS man! He'd put his life at risk - what had I done? Nothing, in comparison!

As I looked around me, I realised that so many of us were not really worthy of these awards. These medals should have been going to all the young men in the military, navy and airforce, who lay down their lives, serving us, their country and their Queen. In the presence of these brave men I felt totally inferior - they should be getting the medals not me! Having witnessed that remarkable day at The Palace I feel that my medal should have gone to an unknown soldier far worthier than me, to receive the MBE.
This content was created on Sun 1 June 2008

More like this
The Dr Chris Steele Blog
Use this page



Privacy Terms | Advertisers | Legal Disclaimer | Contact
© 2007 TheFamilyGP.com