A renowned Southwest London chef and MBE has remembered The Queen fondly as he plans to attend her funeral.

Earlier this year Raja Suleman Raza, Spice Village chief executive Raja Suleman Raza received an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) on the Queen's Platinum Jubilee for his service to business and charity during Covid-19.

Surprisingly, along with an MBE awarded on the Queen's Platinum Jubilee, his not-for-profit initiative Spice Village Uplyft, based in Croydon, Raza and volunteers, have been awarded the Queen's Award for Voluntary Services (QAVS) with the following citation, 'feeds the homeless and vulnerable, uplifts communities through diversity and inclusion initiatives’. It is highly unusual that a recipient of the Queen's Honours is honoured twice for services in different sectors. The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service (QAVS) is the highest award given to UK volunteer groups, being equivalent to the MBE. The prestigious award recognises exceptional work done by volunteer groups in their communities.

Now the 42-year-old says he has been left ‘devastated’ by the death of his beloved monarch.

Raza was instrumental in the One Million Meals campaign that served hundreds of thousands of meals to doctors, nurses, paramedics, and key workers across the UK during the first lockdown from March to the end of June 2020.

Raza said, "I was told I had made history by getting recognised twice on the Platinum Jubilee of The Queen on 02 June 2022. However, I would always miss not having received this Honour by the Her Majesty herself".

Raza moved to London from Pakistan with his family in the year 2000. Raza began his career as a chef in a restaurant in Brixton. Since 2004, Raza has been living in Southwest London, running his family business along with his elder brother in the restaurant industry and helping vulnerable communities. 2021, Raza was leading a multi-branches restaurant chain serving Pakistani cuisine in the south and west of London. He also ventured into the event business and hospitality sectors.

Raza said: "I was absolutely delighted to receive an MBE and a QAVS on Her Majesty's Platinum Jubilee. It is a privilege to have helped local businesses during what has been a turbulent time for enterprises affected by the coronavirus pandemic. This is what was exuded and lived by Her Majesty for 70 years, without a breach. I consider her my inspiration and a role model. Her sense of duty prevailed in an age of individualism".

"I came to the UK with £50 in my pocket and, after working hard for 22 years, received the two great news in a row. It is unbelievable how a chef sweating once in a Brixton eatery could set up a nationwide business, serve the communities and get recognised by none other than the Her Majesty. We were aware of the nomination of our voluntary work at the Spice Village Uplyft. However, the nomination and the news of the MBE were unexpected. My mother, brothers, wife, and children – all were jubilant. It is nothing short of a British dream coming true at the Platinum Jubilee of the Queen. Anything is possible in this land of opportunities - the United Kingdom".

"I dedicate both of these honours to the Her Majesty".

"I also congratulate King Charles III on his ascension to the throne. I wish His Majesty courage and perseverance in the face of this heavy, irreparable loss".

Raza remembered meeting the King in February 2022 at the British Asian Trust dinner, where he invited His Majesty to his restaurant in Tooting.

"I invited His Majesty to Spice Village, Tooting to have the best ‘tikka-masala’ ever and he quickly patted my shoulder and said, "I would seriously come".

"We will be ecstatic to receive the His Majesty in Tooting. He reminds me of Her Majesty, and I hardly knew Great Britain without her. She was a steadying presence and a source of comfort and pride for us all".

Raza also speaks at different forums and institutions to motivate students from the BAME (black, Asian and minority ethnic) backgrounds to become entrepreneurs in the field of their choice.

Raja Suleman Raza also serves as a member of the 'Founders Circle' at British Asian Trust under the patronage of HRH the Prince of Wales.

For full release, images and videos go to: https://mediaselect.pa.media/raza_the_queen_presser

NOTES TO EDITORS

For full release, images and videos go to: https://mediaselect.pa.media/raza_the_queen_presser

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