Honored Teacher Invited to instruct Royalty: Prestigious Recognition from Royal School for the Deaf

Wendy, who works at the school located on Ashbourne Road, shared with the Prince her belief that his children ought to study British Sign Language (BSL). She thinks this would enable them to emulate their late grandmother, Princess Diana, who was known for using sign language publicly on one notable occasion.

Wendy recounted, "I mentioned that I believed his kids ought to learn British Sign Language, and he responded that he felt Prince George might enjoy that idea and enquired if I could teach him. However, I stated that I am too old and not suitable for George. Then, I suggested that many children at the Royal School for the Deaf Derby would be thrilled to have Prince George visit, and he agreed that such an arrangement could indeed take place."

The meeting concluded with a touching moment that elicited audible reactions from those present:Prince William bent down to embrace Wendy, which was contrary to established royal protocols.

Paul Burrows, the headteacher at the Royal School for the Deaf Derby, mentioned that the event shocked bystanders; however, Wendy’s customers were well aware of the significance of the celebration and thus remained unfazed.

Paul recounted, "We observed their exchange through sign language, and I noticed Wendy asking if she could receive a hug. As he leaned closer, we understood her intention; however, this action caused considerable surprise throughout the room, with everybody turning to look." A volunteer nearby informed them that such an incident had never occurred previously—it was truly remarkable. We are all immensely proud of Wendy here; she has become legendary at our school," added Paul.

Wendy mentioned that giving hugs came naturally to her.

It simply isn't part of our custom to shake hands; we prefer hugging. So, when he extended his hand for me to shake, I politely requested whether I could have a hug instead. He bent down, glanced around cautiously, and then responded, 'There doesn't seem to be any reason why not.'

She confessed that as she moved off, she abruptly recalled a customary ritual she had overlooked.

After leaving the prince, she noticed with dismay that she'd entirely neglected to curtsey and hurried back to correct her manners.

Rebecca Mansell, CEO of the British Deaf Association (BDA) , lauded Wendy’s acknowledgment and her influence within the Deaf community.

Wendy has been part of the BDA for numerous years, and everybody here feels incredibly proud of her OBE. She truly is remarkable, and her accolade is well-deserved.

It was during a BDA conference in Blackpool back in 1990 that Princess Diana made history as the first member of the royal family to openly communicate using British Sign Language (BSL).

Wendy, who attended that conference, recalled the significant impact Diana left behind.

Princess Diana received a volume dedicated to the history of the deaf community as a present, and she indeed wrote, 'I'm delighted to accept this book.' We were rather astonished to witness her utilizing British Sign Language; it truly brightened up the atmosphere. This marked the first occasion where someone at such a high level showed genuine appreciation for our sign language—no one so prominent had done this previously—and we've cherished that sense of esteem ever since.