Prince William says meeting Claire Lomas was the highlight of his day

Claire Lomas pictured with the MBE medal she was presented with at Buckkingham Palace EMN-170103-090824001

Prince William told paraplegic fundraiser Claire Lomas it was the highlight of his day when he presented an MBE to her at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday.

Claire, from Eye Kettleby, who was paralysed 10 years ago in a riding accident during a Three Day Event, travelled to London with husband Dan, daughters Chloe (five weeks) and Maisie (6) and parents Martin and Joyce.

She said: “I’ve done over 100 speaking events but this was more nerve-wracking than any of them.

“Prince William said he was really excited to meet me and said I was the highlight out of all the people on the list.”

Fundraiser Claire Lomas from Melton Mowbray is made an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) by the Duke of Cambridge at Buckingham Palace. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday February 28, 2017. See PA story ROYAL Investiture. Photo credit should read: Jonathan Brady/PA Wire EMN-170228-180214001

Claire and her family stayed overnight in luxury hotel The Dorchester before heading off early in the morning to appear on the Chris Evans Breakfast Show on BBC Radio 2.

“His show is really chaotic but it was a lot of fun and we spoke about my half marathon coming up in June and my other fundraising events,” said Claire.

“Afterwards we went back to the hotel to pick up mum and dad and then went over to the palace. It was very exciting.”

Claire, who was given her honour in the Queen’s New Year Honours List, was one of the last people to receive her medal from the Prince on the day.

“I got even more nervous having to wait to go up but the prince was brilliant - he is a really genuine bloke and was really interested in all my fundraising.

“It was an honour to be there. When I had my accident 10 years ago I never thought I would end up having two little girls and an MBE as well.

“It makes up for having to fight through all those dark days at the beginning and I wouldn’t change my life now because it has given me so many opportunities.”