HEROIC lollipop lady Karin Williams discovered what it was like to be treated ‘by’ royalty after a future king introduced her to the US President.

Karin, who had been invited to attend the Prince of Wales reception at the Celtic Manor, along with Vale MP Alun Cairns in his Wales Office ministerial role and two other St David award winners, got her royal blessing when HRH Prince Charles finished his conversation with her and brought President Barack Obama to her side.

The 51-year-old, originally from Germany, also took the opportunity to meet Germany’s chancellor Angela Merkel who was also at the reception during the Nato Summit last week.

And she gained a kiss from Wales’ First Minister, Carwyn Jones.

Karin was awarded St David award for bravery and a Pride Of Britain award for her actions in attempting to save the lives of children she was helping to cross Fontyygary Road outside Rhws Primary school in June 2013.

Five children and four adults were injured in the horrific crash.

Mum-of-one Karin was in hospital for nine weeks afterwards as she suffered injuries including broken kneecaps, a broken lower leg, right elbow, left shoulder, two cracked ribs, facial injuries and a broken little finger.

Karin said she and three other people had arrived in the marquee and been told to stand in a half circle at a table.

She said: “The prince came in and we were introduced. He asked what I had done and I told him and he said “very good, very good” and then he went to the next table.

“We just stood and then all of a sudden Barack Obama came over with Prince Charles and he introduced me as a winner of a Pride Of Britain award.

“He said there must be quite a few happy families in my village.”

She added: ”He was just like a normal person. Nerves never set in.

“On Friday, I’m going to the school to tell the children all about it. Louise the head teacher insisted.”

Mr Cairns attended the Prince of Wales reception in his Wales Office ministerial role at the Celtic Manor along with Rhoose resident Karin Williams

Throughout the week Mr Cairns visited several schools across South Wales and met with a number of history students at Barry Comprehensive school to explain the role of NATO and to hear the thoughts of the Vale students.

Mr Cairns said: “It was a great privilege to attend the NATO Summit as a guest of the Prince of Wales, and I was particularly pleased to see Karin Williams from Rhoose at the event and having the opportunity to meet so many guests.

He added: “A personal highlight was visiting Barry Comprehensive school and to see how much interest pupils took in the event and the wide range of opinions offered on the events of the day. The NATO Summit has been terrific for the profile of our country and for local Vale businesses like cabinet maker Rathkeys. We will continue to see the benefit for years to come, and this is the new benchmark for events in Wales.”