Norlander Meryl Praill appointed MBE for services to the community
20 November 2025
Norland Nanny Meryl Praill was honoured by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal at Windsor Castle with an MBE for services to the community in Newbury.
Norland is proud to celebrate the remarkable achievement of alumna Meryl Praill (Set 94) who has been awarded a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in recognition of exceptional service to the community.
Meryl Praill (née Lloyd) trained at Norland as part of Set 94 from 1984 to 1986 at Denford Park. After working as a Norland Nanny, Meryl set up her own agency in London for nannies, maternity nurses and mother’s helpers before moving back to her hometown of Newbury to raise her three children.
Meryl’s commitment to helping those in need is exemplified by her work as founder and CEO of the Newbury Soup Kitchen, providing vital support to countless individuals facing hardship whilst leading the charity. After beginning as a volunteer at a local foodbank, Meryl recognised the need for food provisions for rough sleepers in the area and founded the Newbury Soup Kitchen in 2017.
Since then, Meryl has grown the organisation with the goal of helping the homeless and vulnerable by providing a broad spectrum of food and support – caring for the whole person, physically, emotionally and socially. The organisation plans to eventually open a permanent community support centre in Newbury.
The MBE award for services to the community of Newbury was presented to Meryl by Her Royal Highness Princess Anne and announced by former Newbury MP and Lord Chamberlain Richard Benyon.
Meryl commented: “We had a glorious day at Windsor Castle to receive my MBE on 28 October 2025. I took my family which was wonderful to have all of us together which these days is rare. Lord Benyon escorted me to the room where we were received by the Windsor Castle staff until it was time to go through to The Queens Lounge to be received by Princess Anne. Princess Anne was so lovely and knew about my work and was so knowledgeable about the charity, she really put me at ease. It was truly a wonderful day and an amazing experience – something I will always remember.”
Norland extends heartfelt congratulations to Meryl on this well-deserved honour. Her story is an inspiration to current students and graduates alike.
