Princess Royal honours 106-year-old Coleraine veteran with BEM at Hillsborough Castle

The Princess Royal greeting 106-year-old Coleraine veteran Norman Irwin at Hillsborough Castle

(Images: The Royal Family)

The Princess Royal has paid tribute to a 106-year-old Coleraine veteran, presenting him with the British Empire Medal (BEM) during a Garden Party at Hillsborough Castle on Wednesday, 10 September.

Her Royal Highness joined hundreds of guests at the official royal residence in Northern Ireland, where she met community champions recognised for their service.

Among them was Norman Irwin, a Second World War veteran and the last surviving founding member of the Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME).

Mr Irwin, who has spent decades supporting a cross-community retirees’ club in his hometown of Coleraine, is the oldest person ever to receive a BEM for voluntary work.

“An amazing man”

The Princess Royal greeting 106-year-old Coleraine veteran Norman Irwin at Hillsborough Castle

Mr Irwin was introduced to the Princess Royal inside the Red Room at Hillsborough Castle. Anne told him:

“Thank you for telling your story and thank you for helping other people and being the founding member of REME (the Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers).”

Born in 1918, Mr Irwin began his working life as a factory apprentice before joining the Coleraine battery in 1939, just before the outbreak of the Second World War.

He went on to serve in Egypt, helping to defend the Suez Canal from German attack, before transferring to REME following its formation.

He was accompanied at the ceremony by his son David, daughter-in-law Peggy, grandson Chris and granddaughter-in-law Chloe.

Norman’s son David said:

“He did so much for his country during the war as so many people did, and it’s so amazing to see him getting this award.

“I’m incredibly proud being here today. He’s such an amazing man, very cheeky, and he has done so much throughout his life. This is a really touching, really heartfelt moment.

“He is amazing. He’s an incredible man. He’s 106 and he’s still as sprightly as a 70-year-old.

“He’s got such a zest for life, and hopefully I’ve got his genes as well.

“All his family are so proud to have him around because he is such an amazing gentleman.”

Grandson Chris added that the secret to Norman’s long life was “Bushmills whiskey”.

Celebration at Hillsborough Castle

After the formal presentation, the Princess Royal toured the castle and planted a tree in the grounds before joining guests at the Garden Party. Despite intermittent rain showers, hundreds of attendees gathered under marquees to welcome her.

The event highlighted stories of extraordinary public service from across Northern Ireland, with Norman Irwin’s recognition serving as one of the most poignant moments of the day.