THE chief executive of St David’s Hospice Care said she had an “unbelievable day” when she went to Windsor Castle to collect her MBE from the Duke of Cambridge yesterday.

Emma Saysell, of Chepstow, was awarded an MBE for services to voluntary sector health provision in Newport.

She said: “It’s been a surreal, an unbelievable and fabulous day. The Duke of Cambridge, Prince William, presented me with it. It was amazing to meet him.

“He chatted with everybody for quite a long time. He was really lovely and interested in the work we do and that we were from Wales. He was really good.

“It was in this fabulous room at Windsor Castle, i It’s a beautiful castle and an unbelievable place.”

Mrs Saysell said it was nice to see another recipient with a Welsh connection at the investiture ceremony as Warren Gatland, head coach of the Welsh rugby union team, was there collecting his OBE.

A mum-of-two, Mrs Saysell, 44, joined St David’s Hospice Care 19 years ago, initially working as a nurse for Velindre.

She added: “It’s a massive thrill. It’s been lovely for my family. It’s a team effort, it’s for the whole of the team at St David’s and their work.

“It’s such an honour, you’re made to feel very special and I think my family do too.”

Mrs Saysell attended the ceremony with her mother, husband and one of her two sons.