Wetherby woman meets King and Queen at special celebration of foster carers at Windsor Castle

Marie Proctor, 57, from Barwick in Elmet, was invited to meet the Royals on Wednesday, February 11 in recognition of her tireless work providing a loving home for children in need.

The gathering celebrated the vital role played by foster carers across the country and highlighted individuals who go above and beyond to support children and families.

Marie was one of a select few carers nominated by her union, GMB, for her dedication, commitment, and tireless efforts in the fostering sector.

She said: “It was a great event and very welcoming.

“I had the opportunity to raise the recruitment problem within foster care with both the King and Queen - the issues were met with care and understanding.

“It was really good to be able to represent foster carers and have a direct voice.”

The event not only recognised the hard work of carers like Marie, but also shone a spotlight on the challenges faced by the fostering sector.

For Marie, the visit to Windsor Castle was a proud moment for her and the wider community of carers who dedicate their lives to providing children with stability, love, and support.