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To commemorate such an illustrious gesture from the British royal family on his 100th birthday, Frederick A. Roberts stands out front. For his charitable activities and in aid of remembrance of the Battle of Arnhem, Princess Anne, The Princess Royal, conferred upon him the MBE, Member of the Order of the British Empire. The investiture ceremony took place earlier this week at Buckingham Palace, with the old warrior striding forward, his medals pinned upon his suit, and shaking hands heartily with Princess Anne, who was magnificently attired in formal military garb. Dignified lady-like acts took place in a most ornate fashion in the background of red carpets and wood-paneled walls as spectators looked on.
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A participant in Operation Market Garden, Roberts was imprisoned for some years and forced to work in a coal mine until his release, which event signified a major Allied operation in World War II. In remembrance of the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Arnhem last year, Roberts, along with Princess Anne, paid tribute to the soldiers who died. A wave of applause thus went global upon the royal’s celebratory post on Instagram on the auspicious occasion of his centenary and MBE conferment.
An array of congratulation messages flooded in, amongst which was a very precious one coming from Roberts’s daughter describing the investiture as surreal and thanking palace staff for their warmth: “I couldn’t be any prouder of my wonderful dad; sharing that moment with Princess Anne has made it so much more special.” Others mentioned the term “legend,” for such resilience is hardly seen today-another well-wisher from Canada thanked him for his service and wished he could have also witnessed drawing support from others that his life was “pure history.”
The post went on to mention revered messages from around the globe, including one translated from Indonesian, wishing good health and good fortune to Princess Anne. The Behind-the-scene royal watchers leveled praise toward the Princess Royal, with one enthusiastic compliment saying she “awards medals with magic.” The massive response only proves the everlasting respect for Roberts’ sacrifices and the undying symbolism of royal recognition.
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A celebration in the veteran year beyond his centennial ought to serve as an offering to living links of history, and those who carved that history stood in terrible dignity. Roberts shall be forever kept alive by the tribute of the present royal family and the fame of the appreciative world.