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British Royals

Fundraiser born in reign of King George V is oldest person recognised in Charles III’s first birthday Honours list

By
17th June 2023

A charity worker who was born when King George V was on the throne has been awarded the British Empire Medal in the first Birthday Honours List of the reign of King Charles III.

Joan Willett, who is 106 years old, is recognised for decades of fundraising for the British Heart Foundation.

Her honour has been bestowed by George V’s great grandson, King Charles III.

Joan Willett was born at the same time as the House of Windsor – it’s now 106 years since George V decided to change the name of his ruling dynasty from Saxe-Coburg-Gotha to Windsor. She has lived through the reigns of all five of the Windsor monarchs and is now made BEM by the latest of them.

The youngest person on the list is Junior Jay Frood who is eighteen. Junior Jay Frood is made a BEM for his support for vulnerable children through anti bullying work.

There are 1,171 people on the first Birthday Honours of King Charles III with over half recognised for their work in their communities.

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About author

Lydia Starbuck is Editor in Chief at Royal Central and the main producer and presenter of the Royal Central Podcast and Royal Central Extra. Lydia is also a pen name of June Woolerton who is a journalist and writer with over twenty years experience in TV, radio, print and online. Her latest book, A History of British Royal Jubilees, is out now. Her new book, The Mysterious Death of Katherine Parr, will be published in March 2024. June is an award winning reporter, producer and editor. She's appeared on outlets including BBC 5 Live, BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Local Radio and has also helped set up a commercial radio station. June is also an accomplished writer with a wide range of material published online and in print. She is the author of two novels, published as e-books. She is also a marriage registrar and ceremony celebrant.