Wendy Daunt, honoured for her work with the deaf community, hugged Prince William after recalling Diana’s legacy

A Derby teacher honoured for her voluntary work with the deaf community shared a moving moment with the Prince of Wales during her investiture at Windsor Castle. Wendy Daunt, awarded an OBE for her contributions to deaf education, revealed that she and Prince William embraced after an emotional conversation about his mother, Princess Diana, and the legacy she left within the deaf community.

Speaking through a British Sign Language interpreter, Ms Daunt told the prince how loved and respected Diana was by deaf people across the UK. She recalled a moment that’s stayed etched in the community’s memory—when Diana attended the British Deaf Association’s conference in Blackpool and addressed the audience in BSL.

“She came on stage to receive a book, and she signed in BSL,” Wendy said. “The deaf people were amazed. A royal had accepted our language. We’ve kept that respect for BSL all these years.”

Daunt, who teaches deaf studies at the Royal School for the Deaf in Derby, said it was William’s facial expressions that prompted her to open up during their exchange. She wanted to “lift the moment,” and asked him why his children didn’t learn sign language. William smiled and admitted he wasn’t sure, but suggested Prince George “might like to”.

To her surprise, the Prince even said she could teach George herself—though Daunt modestly suggested a younger teacher might be more suitable, especially one who could relate to him through football signs.

Their chat ended on a distinctly personal note. When the moment came to part ways, William extended his hand for a formal shake. But for Wendy, that didn’t feel natural.

“I couldn’t remember to shake his hand because it’s not my culture,” she said. “Deaf culture is hugs, so I quickly said, ‘Can I have a hug?’”

Prince William paused, unsure if protocol allowed it—but he gave her a warm hug nonetheless.

Reflecting on the moment, Daunt laughed about what happened next. “I was meant to take two steps back, bow and leave—but I didn’t. I’d just hugged the Prince! Then I realised, and went back to curtsy. It was overwhelming, but funny too.”

Photos from the event show her receiving her medal inside Windsor Castle and embracing Prince William on stage—images now shared widely as a symbol of warmth and inclusivity.

Daunt hopes to use her honour to tackle ongoing challenges that deaf people face in education and society. “There are so many barriers still,” she said. “I’m looking forward to knocking them down.”

She even asked Prince William if he would visit her school in Derby. “He said, ‘It can be arranged,’” she smiled.

For Wendy Daunt, the day was more than just a royal honour—it was a reaffirmation of everything she has fought for. In her words and her hug, she brought deaf culture to the heart of the royal establishment, just as Diana once did.