King Charles honours MAF in its 80th year

King Charles shakes MAF’s Donovan Palmer’s hand (credit: IJP Event Photos)

On 20 February 2025, MAF’s work was recognised at a special reception held at London’s Buckingham Palace hosted by King Charles, Queen Camilla and Princess Anne. MAF UK’s CEO Donovan Palmer led the delegation. MAF’s Claire Gilderson reports.

In MAF’s 80^th year, King Charles, Queen Camilla and Princess Anne hosted a special reception at London’s prestigious Buckingham Palace, recognising the ‘exceptional’ work of some 100 humanitarian charities including MAF.

The team congregates outside the palace before heading in (credit: Donovan Palmer)

MAF’s representatives were Donovan Palmer – CEO of MAF UK, MAF Trustee Max Gove, Sam Baguma – MAF’s Deputy Country Director in Uganda, and Becky Waterman who previously supported MAF families in Uganda and Liberia for seven years (left to right). It was their first time at the palace.

The lavish event was attended by around 300 people from a range of international organisations including World Vision, Christian Aid, International Health Partners, REACT and Shelter Box.

MAF’s royal invitation (credit: Donovan Palmer)

MAF UK’s CEO Donovan Palmer – who had previously met Princess Anne in Sierra Leone – was ‘completely surprised’ by the royal invitation, and was both humbled and chuffed in equal measure:

‘It’s humbling to represent MAF on behalf of so many colleagues who’ve gone before us for so many years, and of course those who are currently working hard around the world in much more difficult circumstances than in the UK. The King recognises our good work that has lasted the passage of time. He wants our staff, supporters and partners everywhere to know that he appreciates what we do.

‘It’s wonderful to have someone like him – a leader that many people respect – to honour and endorse MAF, which started 80 years ago. This should encourage us to carry on the same path that Stuart King, Jack Hemmings, Betty Greene and others started. Whilst we don’t look for earthly affirmation, it’s great that God has given us favour, and people are taking notice. I’m very aware that there are many organisations out there who do great work that weren’t in the room that day.

‘The Royals were extremely engaging. You don’t always remember what someone said, but you always remember how you felt, and we definitely felt a very warm welcome and an appreciation for MAF’s work.’

Donovan Palmer, CEO of MAF UK

The royal courtyard (credit: Becky Waterman)

A room full of old friends

Sam Baguma – whose team had flown Princess Anne in Uganda in 2022 – was surprised by how many MAF partners were also at the event:

‘Being inside Buckingham Palace was quite surreal – it was even more grand than I thought it would be. It was wonderful meeting royalty – to actually be that close and have a normal conversation with The King was amazing! What an honour to be recognised for the contribution MAF makes in the humanitarian sector.

‘What was really special, was seeing so many organisations in the room who had flown with MAF! People kept saying, “I know MAF!” Many of them knew who we were. I was struck by the number of people who said how much they value MAF’s work. It felt wonderful to know that what we do every day makes a huge difference to the people we serve.’

MAF’s Sam Baguma (L) hosted Princess Anne in Uganda in 2022 (credit: IJP Event Photos)

Becky Waterman – whose husband has worked as a MAF engineer in Uganda and Liberia – was thrilled and privileged to meet The Royal Family for the first time:

‘What an honour to meet and shake hands with people you would normally only see on a screen! There’s something so unique about being invited to the palace. As we walked in, there was a crowd outside taking photos and I felt privileged to be able to walk through.

‘Inside, another crowd of people are dedicating their lives to make the world a better place and to help people as much as they can. At a time where we often hear so much bad news, it was great to see so many passionate people from inspiring organisations serving across the globe.

‘It’s good that MAF’s work over the last 80 years has been recognised in such a special way. Though the event itself was packed with people, the fact that MAF was invited shows that the work we do is considered important.’

Becky Waterman described it as ‘an honour & a privilege’ (credit: Becky Waterman)

An opportunity to attract new partners

Max Gove – who had met Princess Anne in the late 1960s – was equally excited to meet her again and The King and Queen for the first time:

‘What a great opportunity to meet the royals. It was overwhelming, but just a privilege to be there. I know that they do this sort of thing all the time, but I was still impressed that they set aside their time to meet with humanitarian organisations. They were so interested in everybody. The fact that they had taken the trouble to invite MAF, indicates their interest in us.

‘It was very interesting meeting other organisations – many of which I’d never heard of before. As far as MAF is concerned, it’s been an opportunity to increase our profile and to be recognised by a number of different organisations.’

MAF’s Max Gove (centre) meets Queen Camilla for the first time (credit: IJP Event Photos)

Donovan agrees:

‘I hope that for those organisations who don’t know about MAF yet, this royal recognition will help highlight the great work that MAF does around the world.’

Listen out for MAF’s special 80^th anniversary episode of the ‘Flying for Life’ podcast, where MAF Trustee Max Gove unpacks MAF’s most memorial milestones through the ages.