Britain's Queen Elizabeth II has awarded an honorary MBE to former journalist Shireen D. Mistry, who is also an ex-high ranking official of the British Deputy High Commission here.The Member of the Order of the British Empire -- recognising Mistry's "contribution towards building strong relations between India and the UK" -- was conferred on her in person by Duke of Cambridge Prince William on Monday, in the presence of his wife Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton and other dignitaries.An official statement said Mistry worked for 23 years between 1992 and 2015, running the mission's communications and public affairs department for western India.
"Shireen Mistry has been a powerful and impressive advocate for strong and friendly relations between India and the UK. On top of that, she has been the link between the media in western India and the British government and a popular, high profile member of the British Deputy High Commission staff," said Kumar Iyer, the British deputy high commissioner in Mumbai.He expressed delight that the Queen graciously approved this honour and the Duke of Cambridge agreed to present it to Shireen, as "she deserves it".A graduate of Mumbai University from St. Xaviers College, where she co-founded the popular annual culture fest "Malhar", and later Oxford University from Somervillage College, Mistry was a journalist in Mumbai before joining the British Deputy High Commission.