Princess Anne reassured tearful Joe Wicks before receiving his MBE with lockdown quip | Celebrity News | Showbiz & TV
Joe Wicks, 37, met Princess Anne earlier this year when he received his MBE for his lockdown heroics, raising millions for the NHS in their time of need. The fitness guru has spoken exclusively to Express.co.uk about his tearful moment prior to meeting Princess Royal and her funny jibe that made the Children in Need fundraiser feel at ease.
Joe posed alongside his brother Nikki at the royal residence in March, to express his pride at winning the MBE and thank his sibling who helps him run his fitness empire.
He said: “I can’t believe it. I’m going to meet the future King of England! It’s kind of sinking in now. This is the real deal, this is happening.
“Me and Nikki are going to the castle to collect the MBE. What an amazing thing, a lovely thing. Nikki was in my ear during every single one of those workouts and I’ve always said it’s our MBE. We deserve it together.”
However, the fitness guru has admitted it nearly didn’t go as smoothly as many would have thought.
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He told Express.co.uk: “I was a bit nervous yeah. But more emotional and proud you know. It was building up and building up and just before I went in I started crying a little bit. I touched myself up and went in.
“But yeah I was definitely nervous. The first thing she said to me put me at ease. She said: ‘So, tell me, have you finally recovered from all of those workouts you did for the nation?’
“So because she said that I knew the score and I was able to have a little laugh with her.”
Joe also spoke more about what happened that day and how he decided to celebrate the pivotal moment in his career.
Joe recently put his fitness to the test as he completed a 30-mile walk in 11 hours for Children in Need to help raise money for grassroots projects and local charities supported by the telethon.
Sharing his fears before the walk, Joe admitted: “I’ve never walked this far. I think the longest I have walked is 10 miles.
“So it’s gonna be tough but I’m going to pace myself. I’ve got two pairs of trainers, I’ve got a few pairs of trousers and tops for if I get wet, to keep myself comfortable.”
Joe, however, completed the walk in his stride and helped the grand total that Children in Need raised on Friday.
The BBC One show ended with the announcement that a whopping £35,273,167 was raised directly from the TV appeal, with Joe making more than £500,000 of this for his ultramarathon.
Joe is known for his fundraising efforts, making over £350,000 for the NHS during lockdown with his workout videos.
If you want to donate to Children in Need visit their website
