Making Malaysia proud: Jane receiving a medal that carries the MBE title from Princess Anne.
PETALING JAYA: Despite having to observe the strict royal protocol at Windsor Castle when she went to receive her award from Princess Anne, Malaysian Jane Chelliah-Manning said she had a most relaxed and happy time in the hallowed halls of the famous palace.
She joins an esteemed company of a handful of Malaysians to have received the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).
She was informed of her investiture date in late July, and on Sept 26, Jane, 60, who is serving as the senior policy lead in the UK Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, was at Windsor Castle with her family for three hours from 9.30am.
Jane proudly showing off her medal. — Photo courtesy of Jane“The instruction was to turn up at the castle gate at 9.30am, then a briefing was held at 10.15am by palace staff,” she recounted.
The investiture started at 11am and her name was announced at 11.45am.
During the 10-minute briefing before the ceremony, Jane was told to walk four paces to the right, bow and walk up to Princess Anne.
“When it came to my moment to receive my MBE medal, I was given last-minute instructions by her senior aide, but the nicest thing he said was that it was more important for me to enjoy the moment.
“It truly was a relaxed and happy atmosphere. Apart from being thanked by Princess Anne, the palace staff thanked me too for my services to the country,” she told The Star in an interview from London where she is based.
Born in Old Klang Road, Kuala Lumpur, Jane was honoured for her work in the civil service and contributions to British society.
The formal ceremony held at the Grand Reception Room was a breeze for Jane, who was among some 60 people decorated that day.
The Malaysian, who has been living in Britain since 1981, said she was awed by the ornate interior of Windsor Castle – it is covered in grand master paintings of past kings and queens and the nobility on oak-panelled walls, complete with gilded mirrors and antiques.
“Windsor Castle lives up to all the expectations I had of what a royal palace would look like. If you have watched Disney movies, then you will have an idea, but multiply your imagination by 10 times,” she quipped.
She added that there were bands playing classical music at various areas of the palace.
“It was a remarkably well-planned and organised ceremony, which started with us being welcomed warmly by staff at the entrance.”
While waiting for her turn, Jane was ushered into a room referred to as state apartments, called Waterloo Chambers, which was dedicated to the British military who fought Napoleon in the Battle of Waterloo.
“We walked through many grand rooms such as the banqueting room, which were normally open to the public but were closed on the day due to the ceremony,” she said.
The dress code was day dress, which meant a dress and jacket; a two-piece suit; a smart trouser suit; or traditional attire.
The mother-of-one said she opted for a midi red laced dress with a black hat.
“With three weeks to go, I finally found the dress from a women’s clothing website. The company also offered me a jacket and hat upon learning of my award,” she added.
Jane, who holds a master’s in international relations from the London School of Economics, said being recognised by the British monarchy is the highest honour for her, calling it a win for Malaysian representation.
She plans to become a speaker to motivate and help others, find an agent for her novel, start a YouTube channel and hold a meet-up for Malaysian mothers living in the UK.
