Jump directly to the content
THE MOMENT

Pauline Quirke’s son Charlie’s heartbreaking tribute to his ‘selfless’ mum revealed amid secret dementia battle

She collected the award from Prince William in February 2023
Diptych showing a woman and young man at a sports event and a woman receiving an award from Prince William.

THIS is the heartbreaking tribute that Pauline Quirke’s son Charlie paid to his ‘selfless’ mum amid her secret dementia battle.

He took to Instagram on the day she was awarded her MBE for services to charity and the entertainment industry.

Pauline Quirke at the TV Choice Awards.
7
Pauline Quirke has revealed her devastating dementia diagnosisCredit: Alamy
Prince William presenting Pauline Quirke with an MBE at Windsor Castle.
7
The actress was awarded a MBE from Prince William in 2023Credit: PA
Pauline Quirke and Charlie Quirke at a charity football match.
7
Her son Charlie took to social media with a gushing tributeCredit: Getty

In February 2023, the Birds Of A Feather actress met Prince William to receive the honour at Windsor Castle.

Pauline, 65, was originally awarded the medal in the late Queen’s final Birthday Honours in 2022,

But her son Charlie, 30, took to the social media platform that day in a gushing post as he praised his mum for her work and achievements.

He posted a picture of the beaming moment where she spoke with the Prince.

READ MORE ON PAULINE

The caption read: "To my beautiful mum. I can't start to tell you how proud I am of my mum getting her MBE today.

"Her services to charity, young people & the entertainment industry. To the most selfless, funniest and most caring person I know.

"Mad day to be honest. Here's to you mum."

This comes after Pauline announced that she's stepping down from professional duties after being diagnosed with dementia.

A statement from her husband Steve Sheen said: "It is with a heavy heart that I announce my wife Pauline's decision to step back from all professional and commercial duties due to her diagnosis of Dementia in 2021.

"Pauline has been an inspiration through her work in the film and TV industry, her charity endeavours and as the founder of the very successful Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts (PQA).

Pauline Quirke: A Legacy Beyond the Screen

"Her talent, dedication, and vision have touched countless lives and will continue to do so through the legacy of her work and through PQA where her vision and guidance has facilitated many young peoples’ progression and interest in the Arts and enhanced their self-confidence."

The actress is best known for her character as Sharon Theodopolopodous in Birds of a Feather, which ran on the BBC and then ITV across nearly 30 years.

She was nominated for a number of BAFTA Awards for her roles in The Sculptress and ITV's Broadchurch.

In total, Pauline appeared in more than 60 TV and films, which also included Emmerdale and Casualty.

Pauline Quirke, MBE, holding her medal outside Windsor Castle.
7
Pauline was given the honour for services to charity and the entertainment industry
Three women toasting with champagne flutes in front of a Christmas tree.
7
She's best known for her role as Sharon Theodopolopodous in Birds of a FeatherCredit: BBC
Three women looking at a cell phone together.
7
The sitcom ran across the BBC and ITV for over 30 yearsCredit: Handout
Pauline Quirke and her son Charlie Quirke on a talk show.
7
Her son praised her for all of her achievements across her careerCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
Topics