Designer of Princess Diana's Wedding Dress Receives MBE
David Emanuel, the fashion designer who created the wedding dress for Diana, Princess of Wales, has been recognised in the King's Birthday Honours list. At 73 years old, Emanuel was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for his charitable work with Macmillan Cancer Support.
The Bridgend-born designer, who is a cancer survivor, expressed that he still misses Princess Diana and commended King Charles III for his openness regarding his own cancer diagnosis.
Honours for Welsh Figures in Music and Sport
Alongside Emanuel, broadcaster and musician Cerys Matthews was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her contributions to music. The King's 2026 honours list includes more than 80 recipients from Wales.
Emanuel and his former wife Elizabeth designed the iconic wedding dress worn by Princess Diana at her 1981 marriage to the then-Prince of Wales.
"She was just extraordinary,"
"That one dress has put me on the world map. It's incredible.
She was so kind. As beautiful as she was outside, she was inside as well."
Currently the host of Say Yes To The Dress UK, Emanuel was recognised for his work with Macmillan Cancer Support. He recounted his experience with prostate cancer approximately 12 years ago and how a Macmillan nurse encouraged him to speak openly about his diagnosis.
"Because of that Macmillan asked, would I be an ambassador for them?
And I said yes, by which time I'd and realised that men in particular are very bad about talking about conditions and illnesses.
I'm lucky, very lucky that I survived it."
Emanuel praised King Charles III for publicly sharing his cancer diagnosis in 2024, noting the positive impact it has had on encouraging men to address their health.
"I think he's managed his cancer incredibly. It's very brave.
I was brought up to be sort of more private about it, but now I talk from the hilltops, I don't care.
You're given a second chance and you want to help others, that's what it's about."
The designer also expressed anticipation about sharing the news of his honour with his children, noting his ability to keep secrets.
"You know, I'm pretty good at keeping secrets.
I managed to keep a secret of Diana's wedding dress and I haven't even told my children."
Other Welsh Honourees in the King's Birthday List
Swansea-born Cliff Jones, a former winger who was part of Tottenham Hotspur's 1961 double-winning team and played for Wales in the 1958 World Cup, is to be made an MBE for his services to Welsh football.
Labour MP Jessica Morden, who has served Newport East for 21 years and was general secretary of Welsh Labour from 1999 until her election in 2005, has been made a dame.
"It's clearly been its own reward and privilege to be the MP for Newport East for the past 21 years.
However, it's very kind to be acknowledged for the work that I've done in the Labour Party over the last 35 years, much of it behind the scenes."
Ally Outten, 31, founder of a company that loans prom dresses and suits to disadvantaged pupils at no cost, was awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM). She developed the idea during university after hearing about a girl unable to afford a dress for school celebrations.
"It just struck a chord in my head, and I thought, 'well, I've still got my prom dress on the back of my wardrobe door' and most of my friends still did as well.
I just thought maybe we can offer them out to people to reuse them."
Outten, from Llandudno, Conwy, expressed her gratitude for the recognition.
"It's really nice to be honoured and recognised, because I've been working so hard on Prom Ally for so many years now."
Karl Lester, a mountain rescue volunteer from Conwy, also received an MBE. Since 2008, he has taken part in over 555 rescue operations.
"None of us could do it without the support of family and friends.
I'm really humbled that someone thinks that highly of me to put me forward for it. It is a big surprise."
"There's much more involved [in mountain rescue] than people think,"
Lester hopes his award will raise awareness of mountain rescue efforts and volunteer work.
Additional Welsh recipients include Philippa Ruth Penney, 75, from Monmouthshire, awarded an MBE for church bell ringing; Kiera Louise Jones, 47, from Carmarthen, for services to nursing; Gwynne Walker, 40, from Brecon, for services to military training; and Alys Cole-King, 59, from Conwy, for services to suicide prevention.
Julie Jones received a BEM for services to music after founding the Llandeilo Fawr Festival. Sudha Bhatt, 74, from Cardiff, was awarded a BEM for community cohesion in Wales, David Cottle, 68, from Swansea, for services to jazz music, and Jayne Knight, 69, from Denbighshire, for services to people with learning disabilities.
Understanding the King's Birthday Honours
The King's Birthday Honours celebrate the contributions of notable individuals, government employees, and community members who have served their communities. These honours are typically awarded by the King, the Prince of Wales, or the Princess Royal at locations such as Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, or the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
Recipients may choose the date and location of their investiture but not which member of the Royal Family will preside over the ceremony.
Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens highlighted the significance of the recipients' contributions.
"The recipients had been commended for their contributions to their communities, to sport, to charity, the arts and to improving the lives of others - often giving their time and effort for free."
"The work of these inspirational individuals has a huge impact across Wales and I thank each and every one of them for their valuable contributions to Welsh society."
