Georgia Harrison has spoken about an unexpected and memorable moment with Prince William during her investiture ceremony, where she received an MBE for her work raising awareness around online privacy and cybercrime.
The former Love Island contestant, aged 31, became the first person from the ITV reality dating series to receive the honour. Her recognition came as part of the official honours system for her campaigning work and public advocacy following her own experience as a victim of online abuse.
In an interview with OK! Magazine, Harrison shared that the moment she met Prince William at Windsor Castle was made particularly memorable due to nerves, emotion, and the fact that she was heavily pregnant at the time.
A Nerve-Wracking but Human Moment at Windsor Castle
According to Harrison, the formality of the ceremony combined with the physical challenge of pregnancy made the experience both emotional and slightly awkward in the best possible way.
She told OK! that when approaching Prince William, she attempted a traditional curtsy that turned out to be more dramatic than she intended.
Rather than being embarrassed by the moment, Harrison said it helped put her at ease. The reaction, she suggested, reflected the Prince’s warmth and helped make an intimidating occasion feel more human.
The ceremony took place while Harrison was expecting her first child, which she later said added both emotion and humour to the day. She and her partner, Jack Stacey, welcomed their daughter, Sahara Jean, in October, several months after the investiture.
Recognition for Advocacy on Online Safety
Harrison’s MBE was awarded in recognition of her work campaigning around online safety, digital consent, and support for victims of image-based abuse. Her advocacy has included collaboration with organisations such as Thames Valley Police to help raise awareness and encourage public discussion about consent and online responsibility.
Her campaigning followed a widely reported legal case involving her former partner Stephen Bear. British courts convicted Bear in 2023 of offences relating to the unlawful sharing of private material. He was sentenced to prison following the verdict. Major outlets including BBC News, Sky News, and The Guardian reported on the case and its wider implications for online abuse legislation.
After the conviction, Harrison chose to waive her legal anonymity. She has said publicly that this decision was made to help others feel less isolated and to encourage victims to seek support.
Her work since then has focused on education, awareness, and supporting initiatives that aim to improve protections around digital privacy.
Official Recognition Through the Honours System
Harrison’s inclusion in the King’s honours list placed her among individuals recognised across the UK for public service, community work, and charitable contributions. The honours system is administered through official government and royal processes, and recipients are typically nominated based on documented impact.
Following confirmation of her MBE, Harrison shared a message on social media thanking supporters and acknowledging those who had shared their own experiences with her.
She wrote that she was “beyond honoured” to be included and expressed gratitude to those who had reached out with congratulations and messages of support.
She added that she regularly reads messages sent to her by others who have experienced similar situations, and that their stories continue to inform and motivate her work.
She also committed to continuing her work in the digital safety space, saying she intends to “rise to the opportunities” where she can help improve awareness and protections online.
A Broader Conversation About Online Safety
Harrison’s case has been cited by multiple organisations and media outlets as part of a broader national conversation around online harm, privacy, and consent. Advocacy groups have long argued that public figures speaking openly about their experiences can help reduce stigma and encourage policy discussions.
Her partnership with Thames Valley Police focused on education and community engagement, helping to “start conversations” around online behaviour and the importance of consent in digital spaces. Police forces across the UK have increasingly invested in public-facing campaigns designed to address online offences, particularly as social media use continues to grow.
While Harrison’s background in reality television initially brought her public attention, her subsequent campaigning has been covered by mainstream media outlets in the context of public awareness rather than entertainment alone.
Maintaining Perspective on Public Recognition
Although Harrison has shared personal moments from the ceremony — including her humorous curtsy — the broader significance of the event remains her official recognition for advocacy. Investiture ceremonies are designed to honour service, and the presence of senior royals such as Prince William reflects the formal nature of the occasion.
At the same time, stories like Harrison’s resonate with the public because they show the human side of these events: nervousness, emotion, and moments of levity even in highly formal settings.
Her comments about almost going into labour at Windsor Castle were clearly shared in a light-hearted way during her interview, reflecting her personality rather than any actual incident.
Life After the Ceremony
Since receiving her MBE and welcoming her daughter, Harrison has continued to balance public life, motherhood, and campaigning. Her social media presence often focuses on family life as well as ongoing awareness work.
She has spoken about how becoming a parent has further strengthened her desire to support safer online environments, particularly for future generations growing up with technology as a central part of everyday life.
Her story reflects a wider shift in how public figures can use their platforms to advocate for social issues, moving beyond entertainment into public service.
Conclusion
Georgia Harrison’s investiture was notable not just because she became the first Love Island contestant to receive an MBE, but because it marked formal recognition of sustained advocacy work around online safety and digital consent.
Her anecdote about Prince William laughing during an awkward curtsy offers a relatable glimpse into an otherwise highly formal event. However, the core of the story remains her campaigning efforts and the broader impact she has sought to achieve.
By grounding her public narrative in confirmed events, direct quotes, and documented work, Harrison’s recognition stands as an example of how personal experience can be transformed into meaningful public contribution.