Phil Spencer, best known as the co-presenter of Channel 4's Location, Location, Location, has been honoured by King Charles III at Windsor Castle. The 56-year-old property expert was awarded an MBE for his work as patron of the homelessness charity St Mungo's.
A Royal Recognition
King Charles presented Spencer with the honour during a ceremony at Windsor Castle. The presenter beamed as he received his MBE and later held it up with pride. Spencer began his role as patron for St Mungo's in 2010, though his involvement with the charity dates back even further, before he found fame.
Speaking previously about the honour, Spencer described it as "one hell of a thing and overwhelming", adding that the cause "is very close to my heart".
Personal Tragedy
Sadly, Spencer's parents were not present for his proud moment. His mother, Anne, and father died in a tragic car accident when her vehicle tipped over the edge of a bridge into the Nailbourne River in Littlebourne, Kent. Spencer paid tribute to them, saying they "would have held hands under the water and quietly slipped away".
Property Tips
Despite the royal recognition, Spencer continues to offer advice to aspiring homeowners. Last December, he urged buyers to use a 10p coin to check for subsidence. Speaking to Metro, he explained: "If the crack is less than 3mm wide — which means you can't fit a 10 pence piece into it – it may not be serious. Plaster sets hard and can crack over time as the property shrinks or swells in different weather conditions. The key thing is to not jump to conclusions, and the '10p test' is a useful rule of thumb."
Spencer noted that cracks often appear at weak points such as around windows, doorframes, or extensions, and are more common in new-build homes where the plaster has had less time to settle.
