The England striker, 24, who forced Boris Johnson into a U-turn over providing free meals for vulnerable children in the holidays last year, was atWindsor Castle with mum Melanie Maynard. She raised him and his four brothers and sisters alone and sometimes skipped meals to feed her children.

       Rashford said: "All the awards I've achieved for my charitable work have all gone to her and this one will join them as well.

       "Without her I wouldn't have the morals that I have because everything I've learnt, I've learnt from her." William told the Manchester United star: "Keep continuing the vital work you are doing."

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       Rashford pledged to carry on, despite the flak. He added: "I'm trying to give child ren the things I didn't have when I was a kid. It's a punishment for them not to be getting meals or books."

       Also honoured were Sheila Hancock, 88, who got a damehood for services to drama and charity and Wales rugby star Alun Wyn Jones, 36, who got an OBE.