'IT'S A REAL PRIVILEGE'

SINGER MEL B, ACTRESS RUTH WILSON AND TV STAR JAY BLADES RECEIVE HONOURS AT BUCKINGHAM PALACE AND WINDSOR CASTLE

- ELLIE KIRWIN-JONES

PRIDE AND JOY

Popstar Mel B was made an MBE for her services to charitable causes and vulnerable women at Buckingham Palace last week.

Wearing a red dress by pal Victoria Beckham, the Spice Girl, 46, was given the award by the Duke of Cambridge at Buckingham Palace as she dedicated it to "all those other women" who are going through domestic violence.

Ruth Wilson receives her MBE

"I never thought I would be here getting this MBE for the work I've been doing. It's amazing to have but it's not just for me it's for all those other women,' Mel said.

"Especially because of Covid, there's been such an epidemic of domestic violence, that's been completely on the rise, and you know I've got an army of women behind me that need help and need to be heard. So I don't take it as it's my award because it's our award because we've survived."