Andy Priaulx, MBE
Andy received his MBE on Friday October 10th from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at an investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace in London.
“It was a great honour to be awarded this and going to Buckingham Palace and meeting the Queen was just very, very special. She asked me about motor racing in Guernsey, although I explained that I raced all over the world.”
He received his award for his charity work with the Priaulx Premature Baby Foundation, which he runs jointly with his wife Jo, and his motorsport achievements with him being a triple World Touring Car Champion.
“To receive this honour underlines my commitment to the charity and to assisting the newcomers to motorsport, so they can understand how much hard work it takes. It is a day I shall never forget.”
The MBE is one of Britain's highest public awards for service to the community, and is made in recognition of Andy's outstanding motor racing career and contribution to the sport.
For Andy, the MBE is the highest accolade he has received. Last year he joined the roll-call of motor sport greats when he was awarded the prestigious British Racing Drivers’ Club Gold Medal - the first time the award has ever been given to someone who is still competing. He has also received two BARC Gold Medals and has featured on two sets of postal stamps, issued by the local Guernsey Post, to honour their hero.
“It was quite a surprise to receive an envelope with the royal logo on. I was really taken aback and very honoured to read they wanted to bestow the MBE on me."
"I love my racing and am proud to carry the flags of both Guernsey and the UK on my car and overalls, so recognition of this sort is something really special."
"This honour is something I shall share with my family, whose support has made it possible for me to concentrate a hundred per cent on my chosen sport.”