'Harry would be super proud that I'm an MBE'

20 November 2025

Alex PopeNorthamptonshire

News image — Charlotte Charles went to Windsor Castle on Wednesday for her MBE investiture and said she would "treasure it forever"

Getty Images Charlotte Charles, wearing a black red hat, has purple tied-back hair and dangly earrings. She is holding an MBE medal in her right hand. She is wearing a black jacket and a necklace. — Charlotte Charles went to Windsor Castle on Wednesday for her MBE investiture and said she would "treasure it forever"

The mother of motorcyclist Harry Dunn, whose death led to a transatlantic diplomatic row, has said becoming an MBE is "surreal", and her son would have been "super proud".

Mr Dunn, 19, was killed in August 2019 after US State Department employee Anne Sacoolas's car hit him while she was on the wrong side of the road near RAF Croughton, Northamptonshire.

Sacoolas, who had diplomatic immunity invoked on her behalf, left the country but was later given a suspended jail term.

Charlotte Charles, who has been appointed an MBE in recognition of outstanding services to road safety, said: "I think Harry would probably be giggling, to be honest."

Family handout/PA Media Charlotte Charles smiling at the camera, with Harry Dunn also smiling. — Charlotte Charles promised to continue Harry's legacy

Mr Dunn's death led the family, including Harry's father Tim Dunn, on a three-year campaign for justice, which included a meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House during his first term.

Sacoolas left the country 19 days after the crash and appeared by video link at the Old Bailey to plead guilty to causing death by careless driving.

She was sentenced in December 2022 to eight months in prison, suspended for a year.

The case, and campaigning from the family, prompted road safety improvements around US Air Force bases.

It also led the UK and the US to amend an "anomaly" that allowed Sacoolas to claim diplomatic immunity.

Family handout/PA Media A young man looking at the camera and wearing a black top and green hoodie. — Harry Dunn died in August 2019 in a crash outside a US Air Force base

After her investiture ceremony with the Prince of Wales at Windsor Castle on Wednesday, Mrs Charles said: "I feel honoured and humbled to [have been made] an MBE in Harry's name.

"I think Harry would probably be giggling, to be honest. But he would be super proud."

She said Prince William shared "some very kind words" and acknowledged it had been a "long road, and that I have had a lot of hurdles put in my way that I have managed to jump over".

Mrs Charles added: "The campaign gave me an avenue for my anger, my grief and my frustrations.

"I will continue to work really hard and support any other family that continues to reach out for support and direction, and I will do everything I can to carry on Harry's legacy."

Additional reporting by PA Media

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