King Charles has shared a sport that he “really likes” as he bestowed an MBE on an 18-time Grand Slam champion.
Speaking to tennis star Andy Lapthorne, the King said he was pleased to see the Paralympian “finally” be recognised for his skill.
Mr Lapthorne, 35, became an MBE during a ceremony with Charles at Windsor Castle.
The silver and bronze Paralympic medallist said the King told him he is a keen tennis fan.
King Charles shared that he ‘really likes’ tennis | PA
Mr Lapthorne, who was born in Hammersmith, west London, said: “He said he really likes tennis and is really pleased that I’ve finally been recognised, were his actual words, so that was nice.
“I met him after the Paralympics when we went to Buckingham Palace, and I know he’s keen on his tennis, so it was nice to see him again and a real privilege to receive the medal from him today.”
The Paralympian described being made an MBE as “the cherry on top of the cake” of his achievements.
He stated: “It’s the culmination of hard work and years on the tennis tour.
The King said he was pleased to see Mr Lapthorne ‘finally’ be recognised
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“Just the cherry on top of the cake of all the trophies and achievements over the years.
“I’m obviously not done yet, but I’m coming towards the tail end of my career, so to have the opportunity to come and do something like this has just been incredible.”
The Paralympian explained that when he started playing wheelchair tennis in a “completely different” world where things were “tough”.
Mr Lapthorne explained that since then, the sport has become more inclusive and accessible.
Mr Lapthorne explained that wheelchair tennis is ‘completely different’ from when he started playing
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He said: “These days, the LTA (Lawn Tennis Association) have lots of beginner tennis camps, they’re constantly searching for new talent to come onto our programme and to be elite players.
“But also, way more opportunities for social players, with (wheelchair manufacturing) companies like RGK that are designing cheaper chairs for people to play in, and we’re seeing them more at local clubs, which never used to happen.
“If I turned up 20 years ago looking to play tennis, it was like, ‘Right, you need to get your own chair’, so the LTA have been very good with that.
“It’s a way more inclusive sport now in this country, and with us guys playing on TV, particularly during Wimbledon, and the recognition that that gains, it’s not such a shock to people now when they see someone playing in a wheelchair.”
Mr Lapthorne has won 18 grand slam titles
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The athlete was among a number of individuals receiving MBEs, including Claudia Winkleman, who appeared delighted as King Charles presented her with the award.
The 53-year-old Strictly Come Dancing presenter, dressed in a white suit and headband, was photographed greeting the monarch as she received the honour for her services to broadcasting.
Her co-host Tess Daly had been awarded the same honour just weeks earlier.
When the honour was first announced in June, Ms Winkleman expressed her deep appreciation for the recognition.
“I am incredibly grateful to receive this honour,” she said. “It’s a real privilege to work with extraordinarily talented people, and I have only got this because of them. So this is for the BBC, the traitors and the faithful, for pianos and for the cha cha.”
