Nigel Guy MBE receives honour at Windsor Castle from King Charles III

It is a poignant time for Nigel Guy to be honoured in the presence of King Charles III at Windsor Castle.

This year marks 75 years since the Empire Windrush ship carried one of the first large groups of West Indian migrants from Jamaica to the UK.

The director of Bradford-based Windrush Generations has dedicated years to celebrating what he describes as the seven Cs. 

Nigel Guy MBE, pictured in the grounds of Windsor Castle (Image: Nigel Guy)

His work centres around marking the generation’s “contributions, commemorations, celebrations, care, challenges, conflicts and change”.

Alongside volunteers, Windrush Generations has been offering support and advice to those affected by the scandal which surfaced in 2017. 

But beyond that, he is setting the record straight on the history of Windrush - whether it’s the stories of elders who made their home in Yorkshire or the shared experiences of their descendants.

Nigel Guy MBE, pictured in the grounds of Windsor Castle with his wife (Image: Nigel Guy)

He designed a flag in recognition of their journey, which has been raised at Home Office headquarters.

“It’s still surreal,” said the MBE-holder.

“We drove in and it was just surreal to be driving up that long avenue which is 2.4 miles and just being able to walk and see the castle, the lush green grass, and we’re taking pictures every opportunity we can before we were told not to take pictures in certain areas.

"They were very friendly, it was a big set up.”

Nigel Guy MBE, his wife, and his eldest son together after a special meal to celebrate his MBE (Image: UGC)

Mr Guy, his wife, and his eldest son were taken through a series of the castle’s grand rooms, adorned with historic paintings of royalty.

During the investiture, esteemed guests heard from The Countess of Wessex’ String Orchestra.

“Eventually we were moved into the main hall,” said the director.

“We had to greet the King with ‘Your Majesty’. Then he starts the conversation with me, asking us about Windrush and am I still involved and am I a descendant. It just went so fast, but the conversation we had wasn’t brief, it was just right. 

“He gave that genuine interest as well.

“It was just a magnificent, majestic day to receive an MBE.”

Mr Guy said he hopes his MBE is a tribute to the sacrifices made by Windrush elders and their ancestors.

“This reward I received was not in my personal understanding for me,” said Mr Guy.

“It was in recognition of the work our elders hav done but also our volunteers to try and improve people’s lives.

“It doesn’t mean we’ve reached the finishing line. 

“I was honoured, privileged and humbled to receive it.

“To have my family in the same room and looking across it was something you could see the joy.”