A Buckinghamshire recycling superstar has revealed what happened when she met Prince William.

Susie Burrage was awarded the Order of the British Empire medal as part of the King’s New Year 2023 Honours list for her services to recycling and the environment.

The managing director of the Chesham-based Recycled Products Ltd and the president of the British Metals Recycling Association received her honour from the Prince of Wales at the investiture ceremony held at Windsor Castle on June 28.

She said she initially felt “shock” when she heard of her nomination, followed by gratitude and appreciation towards the people and organisations that have supported her and played a role in the success.

The Windsor-born recycling campaigner, who is the president of four global industry bodies, explained: “There was also a humbling realisation of the responsibility that comes with the title and an increased determination to further contribute and make a difference in the recycling industry.

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“Also, a tinge of sadness that my late father, Tom, who had introduced me to this wonderful industry, had not lived to see me be honoured in this way.”

Because nominees are strictly forbidden from telling anyone before the official announcement, keeping the exciting secret was “hard,” she said.

Before attending the special occasion with her mum, good friend and an industry colleague Shane Mellor Susie was nervous if “charismatic” Prince William would strike up a conversation with her.

“HRH The Prince of Wales asked about my various roles within the recycling industry. We spoke about the importance of raising the profile of recycling and its crucial role in combating climate change. He asked what kind of material my company recycled and when I told him, metals, he asked where we are based and said he would try and arrange a visit – so watch this space!”

What surprised her during the encounter was the “length and quality of our conversation and how extremely easy HRH The Prince of Wales is to converse with,” Susie said.

 “Never in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine I would be a recipient of an OBE. The journey to this point has been unbelievable in itself. It is incredibly humbling and I am determined to further contribute and inspire positive change for the reputation of the recycling industry which is a requisite to the future of our planet.

"It is a crucial part of the global effort to conserve natural resources and reduce our carbon footprint.

“The team at Recycled Products have been amazing and without their unwavering support I would not have received this honour,” she added.