THE Ryedale man who brought Shakespeare’s Rose Theatre to York celebrated with a Yeoman from the city after being presented with the MBE by Princess Anne.

James Cundall, the chief executive of Lunchbox Theatrical Productions of Malton, which created the pop-up theatre near Clifford’s Tower last summer, received the honour for services to the entertainment industry.

He celebrated the occasion with fellow Yorkshireman Mark Sullivan, a member of the Queen’s Bodyguard of the Yeomen of the Guard, who swapped shifts with a fellow Yeoman so he could be on duty on the day of Mr Cundall’s investiture.

Mr Cundall said: “It was a day I shall never forget, and an immense honour to receive my MBE from the Princess Royal.

“I was unaware that Mark was going to be there, so it was the icing on a most magnificent cake to be able to celebrate with a Yeoman and a fellow Yorkshireman.

“The organisation and pageantry at the Palace is second to none and incredible to witness. What made the day even more special was being able to spend time beforehand with fellow recipients who all had such fascinating and humbling stories to tell.”

Mr Sullivan, who lives in York, asked for the shift swap after noticing Mr Cundall’s award in the New Year Honours List. “I think Shakespeare’s Rose Theatre is the most tremendous idea – it is stunning – so it was my chance to say thank you and to give Mr Cundall a photographic memento of his special day, before the five Yeomen on duty boarded our carriage back to the Royal Mews at St James’s Palace,” he said.