A Rangers legend has been given a royal honour for his services to football and charity.

Graeme Souness was pictured at the glamorous event at Windsor Castle with his wife Karen on Tuesday, November 12 where he was made a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire). 

Prince William presented Souness with the honour in a ceremony also recognising The Crown star Imelda Staunton, singer Rebecca Ferguson and Duran Duran legend Simon Le Bon. 

The 71-year-old was a player-manager for the Ibrox side from 1986 to 1991, leading the club to three Scottish titles and four league cups.  

(Image: PA) (Image: PA) Souness, from Edinburgh, also represented his country at three World Cups and won five league titles with Liverpool FC.

As well as his high-profile work in football, Souness is vice president of the charity Debra UK, which raises awareness of epidermolysis bullosa (EB).

A very rare condition, EB is a group of genetic skin conditions that cause the skin to blister and tear at the slightest touch.

(Image: PA) (Image: PA)

READ MORE: Rangers legend Graeme Souness raises £1m for charity in channel swim

We previously reported that Souness helped to raise £1.5 million for the charity when he joined a swimming challenge across the English Channel last year.

 

He completed the 21-mile swim in June 2023 after being inspired by his good friend, Isla Grist, 14, who is living with the condition. 

Souness was joined by Isla's dad and some friends to take on the selfless task. 

Graeme Souness with Isla Grist in 2023. Image: Debra UKGraeme Souness with Isla Grist in 2023. Image: Debra UK (Image: PA)

Speaking after receiving his CBE, Souness said: “I think when you go to work, whatever job you do, you become quite a different person to what you really are, certainly in the demands of football management and being a football player.

“I am an emotional man, and when I get involved in this charity and when I’m around these poor children, I am emotional.

“Now that I’ve been involved for six years, I get it now – I understand the plight of these children, and it’s just pushing me to do more and more for them if I can.

“You’ve seen a real me – I’m not someone who’s pumped up with adrenaline wants to go to war with everyone on a football pitch, that was my workplace. Now I’m trying to be a decent human being.”