Prince William Honors Manchester United Star Marcus Rashford with an MBE for His Work to End Child Hunger
The English player was actively involved in creating the policy change that called for the British government to continue offering meals to children in need during the holiday breaks lasting through the pandemic.
Marcus Rashford Receives Honor from Supporter Prince William
The 24-year-old Manchester United and England Striker was celebrated by one of his more famous supporters: The Duke of Cambridge.
This Tuesday, the royal, 39, honored the football player with an MBE during a ceremony held at Windsor Castle. Per ESPN, Rashford’s influence created a policy change that saw the government extending the provision of free meals to underserved communities through the winter and summer breaks.
More than just charitable work, the project is personal to Rashford, who grew up a recipient of free school meals. He has also been outspoken about his experience living through food insecurity during his childhood years.
“Congratulations @MarcusRashford. Keep continuing the vital work you are doing for vulnerable children across the UK,” the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge captioned a picture of William awarding the medal to Rashford and that of the footballer with his mother, Melanie Maynard, who attended the ceremony as his guest, in the palace gardens.
Rashford also celebrated the award with his fans on social media, writing: “An honour to spend the morning with you @KensingtonRoyal. Thank you for making the day so special for me and mum very proud.”
According to the BBC, the professional athlete dedicated the award to his mother and promised to continue the work that he has already started to end child hunger.
The outlet continued by writing that Maynard raised Rashford and his three siblings as a single mother on minimum wage, adding that she has been personally recognized for her contributions to end food poverty.
“There’s a lot of work to be done,” Rashford told the press after the ceremony, per ESPN. “We’re nowhere near where we want to be, or where we feel the kids deserve to be. We’ve just got to stick at it and keep going.”
Prince William also acknowledged that he was thrilled to be able to present Rashford the award in person. “Pleased to be back doing investitures in person, celebrating people across the UK who have gone above and beyond for their country and community,” the royal wrote, signing off as “W.”
Prince William Defends English Players against Racism
William and Rashford connected over the summer, after the royal defended the football star and two other players in the England Team from the racist abuse they endured after they missed penalty kicks that led to England losing the Euro 2020 finals.
Prince Charles, 72, also publicly supported Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka and Jadon Sancho soon after the incident, sharing an excerpt from his speech on Windrush Day 2020 in the U.K. when he said that “the rich diversity of cultures which make this country so special — and in many ways unique — lies at the heart of what we can be as a nation.”
Later, during a conversation with the U.K.’s Radio 4 about sustainable farming, he named Rashford among the celebrities who have inspired him with their works. He praised the football star for the selfless work he champions off the field, which is to contribute to ending child hunger.
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