Game of Thrones star Emilia Clarke and Mum get MBEs

Emilia Clarke, known for starring in the fantasy series Game of Thrones, and her mother have received their MBEs from Prince William at Windsor Castle.

The pair were named in the New Year Honours list for services to people with brain injuries.

Emilia suffered two brain haemorrhages in her 20s, then set up the SameYou charity in 2019 with mum Jenny.

Speaking after the ceremony, the actress said the award had given her "such a boost of energy and momentum".

Emilia had her first haemorrhage in 2011, soon after she had finished filming season one of Game of Thrones. The second came two years later.

She told BBC News in December that it was "a miracle" she was here to talk about the ordeal, and she had "no major repercussions" aside from fatigue.

Emilia also recalled discovering there was inadequate support and rehabilitation for brain injury patients after they leave hospital.

SameYou, which Jenny is the chief executive of, campaigns to change that - as well as for better mental health recovery treatment.

Running a charity "is one of the hardest things I've had to do," Emilia told the PA news agency on Wednesday, adding that she was spurred on by the memory of feeling "ill-equipped to be a normal person" after surviving her haemorrhages.

She said she was pleased to have received her MBE and had "underestimated the magical nature" of the process.

Emilia also commended William, Prince of Wales - who led the investiture - for making both her and Jenny feel comfortable.

"I thought she was going to ask him to be on the board of trustees, but she didn't," Emilia joked about her mother.

Jenny added: "I nearly did."

Alongside Emilia and Jenny at the ceremony were JD Wetherspoon founder Sir Tim Martin and former chancellor Sir Sajid Javid, who were both awarded knighthoods.

Other people recognised on Wednesday were Labour MP Dame Siobhain McDonagh, for political and public service; director Betsy Gregory, who was made an OBE for services to dance; and Lydia Otter, who provides autistic people with work experience on her family's beef farm in Wiltshire.

Honours are typically awarded by the King, Prince of Wales or Princess Royal at Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle or the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Scotland.

Recipients can select their investiture's date and location, but not which royal presides over the ceremony.