Champion marathon runner Paula Radcliffe has praised Princess Charlotte for being a role model for girls in sport as she celebrated the “immense honour” of being made an OBE.

The three-time London Marathon winner – and former Sharnbrook schoolgirl – was awarded her medal by the Prince of Wales at an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle yesterday (Tuesday) as she was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire for services to sport.

Radcliffe – who trained with Bedford & County Athletic Club – said efforts to encourage women and girls in sport have come a long way, adding girls can be inspired to get involved by role models such as Charlotte, who is known to enjoy netball.

“One of the things that I did discuss with Prince William is that the fastest-growing age group for the London Marathon now is 18-29, which is phenomenal,” she said.

Paula Radcliffe after she was made a Officer of the Order of the British Empire at Windsor Castle (Photo: Andrew Matthews/Press Association)

placeholder image — Paula Radcliffe after she was made a Officer of the Order of the British Empire at Windsor Castle (Photo: Andrew Matthews/Press Association)

Several things can hold women back from running, the sportswoman added, including cultural differences around the world and guilt surrounding leaving the family home to train for races.

She said: “I think that mindset is really changing now and also safety-wise – there are a lot more moves to protect women when out running and women-friendly races and events as well as training groups.

“So, all of those are helping and I think role models as well … the Princess of Wales going out with the children, and particularly Princess Charlotte out exercising – I think that’s great to see them leading because a lot of people will be inspired by that and will go into sport.”

Last year, William told Hollywood star Eugene Levy that his 11-year-old daughter takes part in netball and ballet, adding: “Keeping them busy with sports and being outdoors is really important.”

Princess Charlotte of Wales trying her hand at archery in 2023 (Photo: Daniel Leal - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Charlotte is reportedly part of an out-of-school netball team that competes at a high level across the country.

She is also known to play tennis and British wildcard Arthur Fery invited Charlotte and her brother Prince George to play the sport with him when they chatted while attending the Wimbledon men’s singles final.

As William presented Radcliffe, 52, with her medal, he shared with her his memories of watching her run while he was growing up.

“He was amazing,” Radcliffe told the Press Association after the ceremony. “He remembered watching me run as he was growing up, which is really very sweet.”

Paula Radcliffe being made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire by the Prince of Wales at Windsor Castle (Photo: Press Association)

“There were actual moments that he remembered as well,” she added. “He was very, very genuine.”

Asked how it feels to be made an OBE, Radcliffe said: “It’s huge. I was not expecting it at this stage, some time after my career. It’s an immense honour.

“I got my MBE from the (late) Queen at Buckingham Palace, so then to come here to Windsor and get this one from the future King … we spend a lot of time focused on medals and gold ones that are within your control, and this is not something within your control.

“It’s an honour that’s given to you, so it makes it feel a little bit different and that much more special.”

Radcliffe set the women’s world marathon record at the 2003 London Marathon, finishing in a time of 2.15.25 – a record which remained unbeaten for 16 years. And she is widely regarded as the greatest British female marathon runner in history.