A centenarian magician and Jewish Care resident has been awarded an MBE by Prince William for his services to charity and fundraising.
Henry Lewis, who turned 102 last year, attended a ceremony in Buckingham Palace last week after being awarded the honour in this year's New Years Honours list.
Mr. Lewis, who's had a global career in performing magic, devoted his later life to fundraising for charitable causes. He told PA: "I performed in Canada. I performed in Denmark; Israel; in Massachusetts in two very large theatres. So I’ve had a very, very good life compared to most and I’ve done a lot in it."
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Henry was presented the royal honour by Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and stood up from his wheelchair to receive the medal. He later performed a trick for the future king, pulling a safety pin seemingly through a handkerchief while remarking "I don't do tricks, I do magic."
Meet 102-year-old magician Henry Lewis from London.
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) January 25, 2022
Henry has entertained audiences around the world for over three decades and today received an MBE for his services to fundraising and charitable causes.
Congratulations Henry! pic.twitter.com/838d6GdHrS
According to Jewish Care, Henry was born on 12 October 1919 in Hackney and grew up as one of eight children. He married his wife Doris after WWII and they lived in the West End, before moving to Mill Hill and had their daughter Vicky. Henry also has a granddaughter, Abigail and now lives at the Wolfson Assisted Living centre in North London.
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Henry told Jewish Care, “I often can’t believe my age, but my advice would be, be satisfied with what you’ve got. My whole life has been good and I had a very happy marriage, I wouldn't change a thing. I’ve been lucky to have a life of more than 100 years. I try to stay independent as I can and do as much as I can.”
When asked about what he loves about magic, Henry replied, “Magic gives me an interest that I could not have otherwise, I like audiences, I love to perform in front of people and make them smile.”
