It was a rather special morning at Windsor Castle when earlier this week, EXEAT's founder Laura Ward had the immense honour of being awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) for International Trade and Sustainability by HRH The Prince of Wales at an investiture ceremony, a moment steeped in British history, tradition, and more than a little grandeur.

An investiture is a formal ceremony where individuals are awarded honours by decree of the King in recognition of their contributions to British society, culture, or public life. It’s a tradition that dates back centuries and takes place in some of the most iconic royal residences, none more magnificent than Windsor Castle, the world’s oldest and largest inhabited castle.

Embraced by the warmth and kindness of the royal household, we made our way through gilded halls, past the portraits of monarchs and the echoes of history. It was a poignant reminder of Britain’s deep heritage which filled us with a tremendous sense of pride and belonging.

Whilst awarding Laura her medal, HRH The Prince of Wales was generous enough to share some superb advice for EXEAT on cutting-edge manufacturers specialising in recycled fabrics and biodegradable dyes that he had discovered as part of his mighty Earthshot Prize … a bit of a pinch me moment and of course the absolute highlight of the day! Congratulations to Laura, we’re all so incredibly proud.

And yes, there were hats, vertiginous heels & an abundance of curtsying.

With love,

EXEAT xoxo