Helen Budge Honoured with MBE by The Princess Royal in Edinburgh

Former director of children’s services, Helen Budge, received the prestigious Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) honour at an investiture ceremony held at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh. The ceremony took place on August 20, 2024, where Budge was presented the award by The Princess Royal for her contributions to education.

Budge’s recognition comes after her inclusion in the King’s Birthday Honours List in June 2023. The honour acknowledges her dedicated service in children’s education while she served as the director for over a decade. Accompanied by her daughters, Budge attended the event, which celebrated a wide array of military and civilian achievements.

In her remarks following the investiture, Budge expressed gratitude for the recognition and the opportunity to meet The Princess Royal. “It was a great honour and privilege to meet The Princess Royal, and I’m pleased that we had a short discussion about education in a remote, rural island local authority,” she stated.

Budge highlighted the collaborative efforts of her colleagues, saying, “I am very grateful to all the many people who worked alongside me during my career in education in Shetland, contributing to providing services to bairns and families.” Her heartfelt appreciation reflects the importance of teamwork in achieving educational goals in the region.

The investiture was not only a personal milestone for Budge but also a significant moment for her family, as she described it as “an amazing experience” made special by her daughters’ presence. “I am very humbled to have been recognised in this way for my career,” she added.

In addition to the MBE, Budge was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of the Highlands and Islands in August 2024, further solidifying her legacy in the field of education. Having retired from her role in the Shetland council in 2024, Budge’s ongoing commitment to educational development continues to resonate within the community she served.

Her achievements not only reflect her dedication but also highlight the critical role of educational leadership in enhancing the lives of children and families in remote areas. As she moves forward, Budge remains an inspiring figure in the realm of education.