A former premier said he felt “humbled” to be recognised for his contributions to the island.

Michael Dunkley added that he was honoured to be appointed Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire.

The distinction was conferred on him by Prince William at Windsor Castle in Berkshire today.

Mr Dunkley said: “It was a beautiful day weather-wise; the sun was shining.

“It was certainly a wonderful experience to be at Windsor Castle.”

Looking back at his contributions to the island, he reflected: “I serve because I care about my country and I always want to help my country.”

Mr Dunkley retired from active politics in March 2024 after serving since April 1997, including as premier from May 2014 to July 2017.

He said he was “floored” when he was notified last year by Rena Lalgie, the governor at the time, that he would receive the honour.

Mr Dunkley said: “It was very humbling to know that somebody would put you forward and other people would support it and then it would be approved.

“It’s very humbling and gratifying to know that some people cared very much about the contributions I made.”

He added: “We didn’t always get things right but we certainly made a lot of progress to help make Bermuda a better place and I enjoy my service to the people.”

Mr Dunkley said he spoke to Prince William briefly at the investiture and noted that the two met when the island hosted the Americas Cup in 2017, when he was premier.

He said the two reflected on the event and the prince asked him how things were in Bermuda.

“I said, like every place we have our challenges but we are working hard to continue moving the island forward,” Mr Dunkley said.

The former premier said he told Prince William that since his retirement from active politics, he is willing to help the country in any way he can.

“I told him I didn’t want to get into the political fray too much, but as somebody with a lot of experience, I think I can help the country going forward and make it a better place,” Mr Dunkley added.

He said the conversation went longer than he expected and he informed William that the island appreciated the support of Buckingham Palace.

“I said, certainly as an Overseas Territory, I appreciate the relationship that the UK is trying to build to put Bermuda in good stead,” he added.

Mr Dunkley encouraged residents to nominate others for the honour or similar accolades if they notice significant contributions made by those people to the island’s development.

He said: “Look on the website and fill out the form because the recognition is certainly good for people to get at the end of their service. But also I think it can inspire people to get more involved; it doesn’t have to be politics, it can be anything in the community.”

Mr Dunkley said that one of the reasons he got involved in the island’s politics was that he did not wish to be on the sidelines “and just voice my opinion”.

He added: “I thought that I could make a difference, and I had the energy and I worked hard to make that difference.

“I urge people to get involved whether its civil, political, whatever it may be.”

Mr Dunkley was accompanied to Windsor Castle by his wife, Pamela, their daughter, Brooke Nixon, son-in-law John Michael Nixon and his granddaughter, Olivia Belle Nixon.

At the end of last year, Jennifer Phillips was also recognised in the New Year’s Honours List.

She received the King’s Certificate and Badge of Honour for her services to the arts.