Luke Humphries Opens Up on Royal Chat After Receiving MBE From Prince William

Luke Humphries opened his account at the 2026 World Darts Championship with a ‘game of two halves’ victory over Ted Evetts, the man who famously lost on the Alexandra Palace stage to Fallon Sherrock.

Humphries wasn’t at his firing best, but it proved more than enough as he sealed a 3-1 win to book his place in the next round, where he will face the legendary Paul Lim.

Royal Recognition Away From the Oche

Away from the oche, Humphries recently collected his MBE from the Prince of Wales at Windsor Castle last week, and the darts star couldn’t help but discuss his beloved sport with royalty.

The former world number one was honoured for services to darts, but Humphries explained that his contribution to the sport stretches far beyond what happens on the stage.

‘My Services to Darts Isn’t Just About Being a Good Player’

“My MBE was for services to darts, but my services to darts isn’t just about being a good player.”

Humphries detailed how he does extensive charity work because he feels a responsibility to give back to the community. 

He pointed to a recent visit to Cologne University Hospital, where he and fellow professionals such as Gerwyn Price and Rob Cross handed out Christmas presents to young children and young people with complex disabilities.

The group also raised over $16,000 for the Dr. Ehmann Children's Home and Off Road Kids.

“I do loads of things on the side which I’m not vocal about because I don't need people to say well done for doing that for charity. It looks like you’re doing it for clout.”

“PDC Europe posted about what we did for the hospital and stuff the other week. I didn’t ask them to do it. This is just the stuff us top players do because we’re so thankful and you have to give a little bit back.”

Measuring Himself Among the Greats

The former world champion, who triumphed over teenage sensation Luke Littler to claim the title in 2024, admitted the honour forced him to reflect on just how much he has achieved in such a short period of time, and where he now places himself in darts history.

“I have to look at the fact that except for Adrian Lewis, and before Luke [Littler], I was probably the best English darts player to achieve so much so quickly in such a short space of time before Phil [Taylor].”

“For me, I've been the best player before Luke [Littler] to come along for a long time since Phil [Taylor].”

A Brief Chat with the Future King

It was the future king, Prince William, who presented Humphries with his award, and the world champion revealed he managed to squeeze in a short conversation during the ceremony.

“Yeah, I did, you get a minute and a half, and obviously you’re not going to talk about silly things. I wanted to talk about why he’s an Aston Villa fan, and that type of stuff, but I didn’t want to differentiate from why I was there.”

Prince William even showed curiosity about attending a darts event, prompting Humphries to point him in the right direction.

“I was there for being a darts player, and I tell you what, he asked where the best place would be to come if he was to come to the darts.”

“I said Alexandra palace obviously because he knew about it, and he knows about darts. It shows how big it is, because he knows about darts.”

When jokingly asked if he’d sort the future king out with tickets, Humphries was more than willing, even if he’s sceptical it would happen.

“I could sort him some tickets, I don't think he’ll come,” he told SportsBoom.co.uk. 

Honours in Darts Still Few and Far Between

The list of darts players to be included in the King’s honours list remains short when compared to sports such as football. Names on that list include Luke Littler, Fallon Sherrock, John Lowe and the late, great Eric Bristow.

Humphries believes there is one current star who deserves to be added.

“You’ve got Gary [Anderson] if he’s eligible to get one, he should get one himself,” he concluded.