Melanie Brown and Prince William.Photo: PA Images / Alamy Stock Photo
The Prince and the Spice Girl!
Melanie “Mel B” Brownwas honored during an investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday, collecting her MBE (The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) for services to charitable causes and vulnerable women fromPrince William. She became a patron of the charity Women’s Aid in 2018 after leaving what she described as an abusive relationship.
After dipping into a curtsy to greet him, the Spice Girls member approachedPrince Williamto receive her award.
“He commended me on all my work that I’ve been doing, and he goes, ‘I’m so sorry you went through such a horrible time’,” she told PA, according to theHuffington Post.
The performer added, “He did say, ‘I can’t believe I’m giving you one of these — I’m delighted,’ and I said, ‘Aw, thank you,’ and we had a giggle.”
Melanie Brown and Prince William.PA Images / Alamy Stock Photo
“I never thought I would be here getting this MBE for the work I’ve been doing,” she said. “It’s amazing to have but it’s not just for me — it’s for all those other women.”
“Especially because of Covid, there’s been such an epidemic of domestic violence, that’s been completely on the rise, and you know I’ve got an army of women behind me that need help and need to be heard,” the singer continued. “So I’m their voice because we’ve all been through exactly the same story, so I don’t take it as it’s my award because it’s our award because we’ve survived.”
Melanie Brown.Dominic Lipinski-Pool/Getty
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The royal family and the Spice Girls have rubbed elbows several times over the years, including whenPrince Charles,Prince WilliamandPrince Harryattended the premiere of the girl group’s movieSpice Worldin 1997.
Prince Harry, Prince William and Prince Charles at Spice World premiere.John Stillwell - PA Images/PA Images via Getty
Earlier that year, 13-year-old Harry and his dadPrince Charleswere all smiles as they hung out with the Spice Girls at one of their concerts in South Africa.
Victoria (AKA “Posh Spice”), who and David Beckham also attended the royal weddings ofPrince WilliamandKate Middletonas well asPrince HarryandMeghan Markle.
source: people.com
