'King says he's intent on tackling hate crime'

COUNTDOWN'S Rachel Riley has revealed King Charles told her he is "intent on tackling hate crimes" - but admitted she almost let nerves get the better of her at their meeting.

- Mark Jefferies

Maths whizz Rachel, 37, who is Jewish, received an MBE for services to Holocaust Education and combating antisemitism.

She called picking up her award this month at Windsor Castle with her husband, Strictly professional Pasha Kovalev, 43, "surreal and special".

Rachel said: "Pasha and my parents came with me, so we all set off not knowing who would be doing the investiture. It was a privilege to be awarded it by the King.

"He said he's intent on doing more to tackle hate crimes of all descriptions." But she admitted: "When it was time to shake his hand, I couldn't remember the protocol [in the King's presence], so I curtseyed and ran!"