Paula Radcliffe has praised Princess Charlotte as a positive role model for young girls entering sport, after describing her appointment as an OBE as an "immense honour".

The three-time London Marathon champion was presented with her medal by the Prince of Wales during an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle on Tuesday, receiving the honour of Officer of the Order of the British Empire for services to sport.

Radcliffe noted that initiatives aimed at encouraging women and girls to participate in athletics have advanced significantly, adding that high-profile figures such as Charlotte, who plays netball, help inspire others.

"One of the things that I did discuss with Prince William is that the fastest-growing age group for the London Marathon now is 18-29, which is phenomenal," she said.

A range of factors can deter women from taking up running, the athlete explained, including global cultural hurdles and feelings of guilt related to leaving domestic responsibilities to train.

She said: "I think that mindset is really changing now and also safety-wise – there are a lot more moves to protect women when out running and women-friendly races and events as well as training groups.

"So, all of those are helping and I think role models as well … the Princess of Wales going out with the children, and particularly Princess Charlotte out exercising – I think that’s great to see them leading because a lot of people will be inspired by that and will go into sport."

In an interview with Hollywood actor Eugene Levy last year, William mentioned that his 11-year-old daughter participates in netball and ballet, noting: "Keeping them busy with sports and being outdoors is really important."

Princess Charlotte is reportedly a member of an extra-curricular netball team competing at a high standard nationwide.

She also plays tennis; British wildcard Arthur Fery invited Charlotte and her brother Prince George to hit balls with him after speaking with them at the Wimbledon men’s singles final.

As William presented the 52-year-old runner with her award, he recalled watching her race while growing up.

"He was amazing," Cheshire-born Radcliffe told the Press Association following the ceremony. "He’d remembered that we’d worked together when Heads Together were the charity partner for the London Marathon, so we talked about people staying fit and how new technology has helped us to stay fit as we get older.

"He remembered watching me run as he was growing up, which is really very sweet."

She added: "There were actual moments that he remembered as well," noting, "He was very, very genuine."

On receiving the OBE, Radcliffe remarked: "It’s huge. I was not expecting it at this stage, some time after my career. It’s an immense honour.

"I got my MBE from the (late) Queen at Buckingham Palace, so then to come here to Windsor and get this one from the future King … we spend a lot of time focused on medals and gold ones that are within your control, and this is not something within your control.

"It’s an honour that’s given to you, so it makes it feel a little bit different and that much more special."

Radcliffe pointed out that the UK builds grassroots access to sport "very well", adding: "The teams, the clubs, the volunteers that are out there – we just need the weather to play ball sometimes!"

Her comments follow an announcement by major sporting organisations — including the Football Association, the Rugby Football Union and Team GB — backing the Equal Sport Project to establish the UK as a leader in female athletics.

Radcliffe set the women’s world marathon record at the 2003 London Marathon, posting a time of 2.15.25 that stood unbroken for 16 years.

Her distinguished career brought World, European and Commonwealth medals across 10,000m, 5,000m and cross country, marking her as one of Britain’s greatest distance runners.