Staff of royals’ charities honoured

STAFF at charities backed by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have received a string of New Year honours.

The gongs were announced as sources say William and Kate plan to step up their work in 2016.

Juli Beattie, founder of The Art Room, which has Kate as royal patron, has received an OBE for services to education.

The Art Room is a national charity which helps children aged five to 16 to develop confidence and self-esteem through specialist art classes.

Kate has been patron of the charity since 2012, says Kensington Palace, as it ‘reflects her interest in the arts and her particular interest in using the creativity of art to enrich the lives of young people’.

There was also an OBE for Pamela Baxter, deputy director of another of Kate’s patronages, the National Portrait Gallery.

Meanwhile Prince George’s godmother, Julia Samuel, has received an MBE for her work as Founder Patron and trustee of Child Bereavement UK, of which Prince William is royal patron.

Mrs Samuel, was one of Princess Diana’s closest friends and has devoted her life to helping grieving families. Paul Farmer, chief executive of the charity MIND, has also received a CBE for services to mental health. The organisation received strong backing from both William and Kate last year.

An aide said of the Cambridges’ year: ‘They have had huge success this year on mental health, the illegal wildlife trade, and veterans in particular.

‘They are hugely grateful for the support they are getting from leaders in these areas – everyone from presidents, to park rangers, and head teachers – and look forward to working with more people in 2016.’