Prince William and Mel B's 'mutual fangirling' at Buckingham Palace delights royal fans

Prince William looked just as excited as Mel B as he presented her with an MBE medal at Buckingham Palace today, much to the delight of royal fans.  

• Prince William and Mel B were snapped 'fangirling' over each other in a prize-giving ceremony at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday.
• The Duke of Cambridge presented Scary Spice with an MBE medal for her contribution to domestic violence services over the past four years today. 
• In other royal news, Queen Elizabeth’s tiaras—the history behind her magnificent pieces and which key royals have worn them.
  

The Duke of Cambridge presented Mel B, also known as Scary Spice, with the award of MBE at an investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace earlier today, in recognition of the singer's passionate advocacy for domestic violence services. 

The 46-year-old, who was officially made a Member of the Order of the British Empire in the 2022 New Year Honours, has been a patron of Women's Aid since 2018 and regularly speaks out about her own traumatic experiences in an abusive relationship. She was accompanied by her mother, Andrea, to accept the prestigious accolade. 

Always the fashionista, Mel wore a bold red dress with a slitted cleavage and short capped sleeves to the royal ceremony. She completed the powerhouse gown—which was designed by fellow Spice Girl, Victoria Beckham—with a feathery red headband, a chunky silver bracelet, and satin white heels. 

Prince William, looking equally smart in his military uniform, smiled warmly as he pinned the MBE medal to the Masked Singer star's outfit. 

Royal fans were quick to gush over the pair's obvious rapport, with some even commenting that Mel's respect for the Duke was clearly reciprocated. 

"Love the mutual fangirling happening between Will and Mel B," one person wrote.

Afterwards, Mel posed for the media and shared her response to the exciting commendation. 

“I never thought I would be here getting this MBE for the work I’ve been doing," Mel told reporters outside the palace. “It’s amazing to have but it’s not just for me—it’s for all those other women.

“Especially because of COVID, there’s been such an epidemic of domestic violence, that’s been completely on the rise, and you know I’ve got an army of women behind me that need help and need to be heard.

“So I’m their voice because we’ve all been through exactly the same story, so I don’t take it as it’s my award because it’s our award because we’ve survived.”

Mel also revealed that Prince William had offered his sympathies in relation to her own ordeal with domestic violence, telling her, "I’m so sorry you went through such a horrible time." The mother-of-three has previously accused her ex-husband, Stephen Belafonte, of 'emotional and physical abuse'. Stephen, who was married to Mel for 10 years, denies the allegations.