Ken Bruce given his MBE at Buckingham Palace

Radio presenter Ken Bruce has been given his MBE at Buckingham Palace.

The award was announced as part of the King's Birthday honour's list back in June, the first birthday honours list from King Charles.

Ken was given the MBE by Princess Anne for his services raising awareness of autism, as well as his work in radio and within charity.

Raising awareness for autism

After being named in the King’s birthday honours list in June, Bruce said he hoped it would help highlight the challenges facing autistic people, following his son’s diagnosis.

He said in a statement: “This is a great surprise and privilege.

“I hope it might help highlight the many difficulties autistic people face.”

In 2009, Bruce released his autobiography Tracks Of My Years, speaking about his experience raising his autistic son Murray, who is non-verbal, with his third wife Kerith.

Ken Bruce moves to Greatest Hits Radio

Bruce left BBC Radio 2 in March, having presented his mid-morning programme for more than three decades, and began a new show on Greatest Hits Radio in April – taking with him his popular music quiz, PopMaster.

According to data from research body Rajar, Greatest Hits Radio appears to be enjoying a Bruce bounce, with the average audience now at 6.6 million – up 14% on the previous quarter, and more than double the 2.9 million listeners two years ago.

Bruce said he was “delighted” with the latest figures, adding: “It’s been an honour to share this new adventure with those that have made the switch, and talking of honours I have an appointment to keep this Friday, which explains why I’m not on air this week.”

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