IT was a Royal order and had to be obeyed.
Hence the photographs of a delighted Prince Harry and Meltham youngster Matthew Merritt sticking out his tongue.
“The Prince told me to do it so I did,” said the nine-year-old, who was one of the award-winners at an emotional night for some of Britain’s bravest children.
It was the night Harry met Matthew.
And young Matthew, wasn’t at all fazed by his first introduction to royalty.
The youngster was all smiles as he met the Prince during the 2012 WellChild Awards, of which Prince Harry is patron.
It was Prince Harry’s first public appearance since the infamous naked pool game on holiday in Las Vegas.
But for Matthew – who suffers from a debilitating condition – it was a night to remember.
The Meltham schoolboy has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a condition which causes muscle weakness.
Despite battling his own problems, each week Matthew takes part in a clinical drug trial to help doctors at the famous Great Ormond Street Hospital understand the condition and help others like him.
He was one of the winners and attended the event with mum Claire and dad Michael, but returned home last night to start a new school term today at St Joseph’s RC Primary School in Dalton.
So was meeting the Prince the best bit?
“No I enjoyed meeting the Weasley twins from Harry Potter, who gave me my award,” said Matthew.
Mum Claire said: “It was such an excellent night.
“To hear some of the stories about the children was so moving and it made me wonder just what Matthew had done.
“But obviously the people behind the awards who voted for him thought he deserved to be there and he loved every minute.
“Prince Harry was fantastic. The minute he came in he got down on his knees to chat and have a laugh with all the children and it was wonderful to see. It reminded me so much of his mother, who had a great way with children.
“When I saw Matthew stick his tongue out, I was horrified but he told me Prince Harry had told him to do it.”
