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Princess Royal presents British Empire Medal to NI WW2 veteran

Mark SimpsonBBC News NI communities correspondent

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PA Media The Princess Royal wearing a black coat and grey hat inside a room in Hillsborough Castle. She has a bag over her shoulder. She is speaking to Norman Irwin, who is in a grey suit and using a wheelchair. He has a medal in his pocket. There are gold-framed photos on the walls and a large fireplace. Four people are standing round the edge of the room, smiling.PA Media

Norman was awarded the medal in the most recent King’s Birthday Honours list

A 106-year-old war veteran from Coleraine has received a British Empire Medal from the Princess Royal.

The presentation to Norman Irwin was made at a garden party at Hillsborough Castle.

He is believed to be the oldest man in Northern Ireland.

With him at the presentation were family members including his 78-year-old son David and grandson Chris, 44.

PA Media The Princess Royal stands beside NI Secretary Hilary Benn and others outside Hillsbrough Castle.PA Media

The Princess Royal was attending the annual garden party at Hillsborough Castle

After presenting him with the medal, the Princess Royal asked Norman if he would be celebrating later with a drink.

“Bushmills,” he replied.

“Really? I never would have guessed,” she replied jokingly.

PA Media The Princess Royal wearing a black coat and grey hat inside a room in Hillsborough Castle. She has a bag over her shoulder. She is speaking to Norman Irwin, who is in a grey suit. He is standing, with his wheelchair behind him. He has a medal in his pocket. There are gold-framed photos on the walls and a large fireplace. Four people are standing round the edge of the room, smiling.PA Media

Norman insisted on standing after he received his medal

Even though he uses a wheelchair, Norman insisted on standing up after he received the medal.

He was awarded it in the most recent King’s Birthday Honours list for a range of voluntary work in his home town in County Londonderry, including at a cross-community club for retirees.

Norman was a factory apprentice when World War Two broke out.

He joined the Army and was deployed to Egypt to protect the Suez Canal from German attack.

He was just 20.


BBC News

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