Carlisle former councillor Elsie Martlew awarded MBE at Windsor Castle

Elsie Martlew was awarded an MBE for political and public service in the King’s 2024 New Years Honours list, receiving the award at an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle on March 20 with Princess Anne handing over the honour.

Mrs Martlew, who is married to former Carlisle MP Eric Martlew, first joined Carlisle City Council at the age of 22 and served for a time as deputy leader of the authority.

She retired as a councillor in March 2016, but later took over as chair of the Carlisle Constituency Labour Party, before standing down in 2019.

Eric Martlew and Elsie Martlew after the ceremony. (Image: Supplied)

Speaking about her investiture, Elsie said: “I was absolutely flabbergasted to be honest. I got to know in November but had to keep it a secret. I was just absolutely taken aback.

“When the day came, oh, it was absolutely marvellous.”

The ceremony was performed by the Princess Royal, who Elsie said had a good knowledge about Carlisle and particularly when the city flooded, which the pair talked about on the day.

Elsie Martlew with her MBE following the ceremony at Windsor Castle. (Image: Supplied)

Elsie said: “It was really nice. Everything ran like clockwork from the beginning to the end and she was very, very knowledgeable about my background in local government, not just local government but in the Carlisle floods as well.

“She commented on Carlisle being flooded twice, so she was obviously well briefed. It wasn’t a long chat, but she was briefed, and she asked personal questions about Carlisle.

"She also knew I retired in 2016 and she said, ‘Are you retired from community involvement?’ and I said no, not really, I still keep putting my oar in!”

Elsie was accompanied to her investiture by her husband and former Carlisle MP Eric Martlew. Speaking about how Eric enjoyed the day, she said: “We had a lovely time... he was as proud as punch and loved it.”