Two wreath makers who have crafted for the royals for more than 15 years have said they were “very surprised” to be awarded British Empire Medals (BEM).
Peter Wills and Paul Hammerton, both 64, worked at the Poppy Factory in west London, creating remembrance wreaths for memorials across the country, for years when in 2010 they had the chance to train as special makers for the royal household.
The tradition of royal wreath-making dates back to the 1920s, the Poppy Factory said, and wreaths they make are laid at the Cenotaph each year.
Wills and Hammerton were awarded BEMs in the King’s Birthday Honours on Friday, which Wills described as “a great honour”.
He added: “We were both very surprised to find out we’re getting the BEM after making special wreaths together for such a long time. It feels very nice for our work to be recognised in this way.
“It makes us both very proud to see the special wreaths we’ve worked on being laid at the Cenotaph every year, and it’s always a great feeling when we get to meet members of the Royal Family.”
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