It’s not every day you drive through the gates of Windsor Castle and walk into a royal reception room to receive an MBE — but that’s exactly what Paul Hornby, Managing Director of JF Hornby & Co, did this week.
The honour was presented by HRH Princess Anne in the castle’s Grand Reception Room, with Paul’s wife Beverley and sons Joseph and Oliver watching from the sidelines.
“It was an absolutely unforgettable day,” said Paul. “Driving up the main approach – a route often reserved for royal cars on major state occasions – was surreal.
“You’re aware that you’re stepping into a place steeped in history, and to be there, not as a visitor, but to receive an honour from the Royal Family, is a memory I’ll treasure for the rest of my life.”
Before the ceremony, Paul and his family were escorted to the Queen’s Drawing Room – a space rich in royal history – where they waited alongside other recipients.
Paul was among around 60 recipients recognised on the day, including actor Chris Bisson, known for playing Jai Sharma in the long-running ITV soap Emmerdale.
After handing over the award, Princess Anne paused to chat, commenting on how beautiful she thought Cumbria was. “It was a lovely moment,” Paul said. “She was genuinely warm and interested — and clearly fond of our part of the world.”
Investiture ceremonies like this have been a royal tradition for centuries, honouring people who have made extraordinary contributions to British society.
Today’s ceremonies, though steeped in tradition, are highly personal events — often attended by close family, and hosted by a senior royal on behalf of the monarch.
Paul received his MBE in recognition of his services to the community through the Hornby Foundation and his leadership of Barrow AFC.
Since its launch in 2015, the Foundation has donated almost £400,000to support causes including mental health initiatives and public access to defibrillators.
Meanwhile, Paul’s work at Barrow AFC has been central to the club’s turnaround in recent years.
“To share that moment with Beverley, Joseph and Oliver was incredibly special,” Paul said. “It’s not every day you receive an MBE from a Princess. It’s a day I will never forget.”
