Ainsley Harriott couldn’t stop smiling as he picked up his MBE (Picture: PA)

Ainsley Harriott couldn’t stop smiling as he was awarded an MBE (Member Of The British Empire) at Buckingham Palace.

The celebrity chef was recognised in the New Year Honours List for services to broadcasting and the culinary arts.

And he looked seriously dapper for the investiture ceremony, rocking a navy suit and shiny black shoes.

The 63-year-old was greeted by Prince Charles, as they shook hands at the palace.


At one point, he appeared to crack a joke with the Prince of Wales, with pictures showing him laughing wildly.

What we would give to be a fly on the wall during that conversation….

Ainsley and Prince Charles shared a joke at the ceremony (Picture: PA)

Ainsley was among those named in the New Year Honours List, alongside Nadiya Hussain, Ben Stokes and Sir Elton John.



Chatting about his new title, he admitted he became ‘really choked up’ when he was first told.

‘When I was first told about it, I immediately thought about my dear late mum – which really choked me up, because I know how proud she would have been, her boy’s proud too,’ he said.

Ainsley admitted he became emotional thinking about his new title (Picture: PA)

‘It’s a great honour for me and for everyone who has helped me on my way.’

During an appearance on This Morning, the former Ready Steady Cook star confessed he assumed it was a parking ticket notice at first.

Yes, seriously.

‘It’s the perfect start to the year,’ he told the hosts.

‘When I first got it I thought it was a parking ticket!

‘It’s got the crest on it. When you see an official stamp you go, “What is this?”‘

Thankfully Ainsley didn’t throw the letter away, and managed to make it to his ceremony.

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