Marcus Rashford takes mum to watch him receive MBE from Prince William after free school-meals campaign (photos)

Marcus Rashford today took his proud mum to watch him receive an MBE from Prince William for his heroic school meals campaign.

The England and Manchester United striker, 24, was pictured with his mum, Melanie, in the grounds of Windsor Castle ahead of the ceremony hosted by the Duke of Cambridge.

He was also seen was seen smiling as he thanked the prince, who appeared to chat away as he fixed the honour to his coat.

The striker said he would be giving his MBE to his mum, who raised him and his four brothers and sisters.

Rashford was recognised today for his campaign which helped feed 1.3million of Britain’s poorest kids over the summer holidays. His campaign resulted in the Government changing policy over its free school-meals vouchers during the lockdown and made the striker a national hero.

He said his motivation was to give the nation’s youngsters the things he did not have when growing up and stressed every child deserves an “opportunity”.

Speaking after today’s investiture ceremony, Marcus said: “It seems like there’s a lot going on but for me to put it in the simplest way – I’m trying to give children the things I didn’t have when I was kid.

“If I did have, I would have been much better off and had many more options in my life.”

He added: “For me it’s a punishment for them not to be getting things like meals or supplies of books.”

Today marks the first investiture William has hosted since the pandemic began.

Earlier today, the duke said he was “pleased to be back” and shared a photo of an honour online resting on a velvet cushion.

His personally signed message read: “Pleased to be back doing investitures in person, celebrating people across the UK who have gone above and beyond for their country and community.”