Felicity Green has expressed her delight at being honoured with the “remarkable” award of an OBE for services to journalism.

Ms Green, a pioneer both on the 60s fashion scene and in journalism, sai d that though she was “very proud” of her more celebrated achievements - she was the first woman to be appointed to the board of a national newspaper — she also greatly valued her work as an educator.

“I’m most proud of the help I’ve been able to give through teaching and mentoring young people. A surprise party was organised for me yesterday and many of my past students were there. I was so touched.”

A trailblazer for women looking to break into the workplace, Ms Green sounded a note of caution when speaking about the progress made over the last few decades in closing the gender gap: “I think women went quite a long way in my heyday, but they still have a hell of a way to go. Sometimes I fear they’ll never make it.”

She advised that in addition to talent and hard work, ambitious women must “learn the value of flattering men. Anything you can use to break through that glass ceiling, use.”

Ms Green is looking forward to receiving her award, and admitted that though she is “not the most fervent royalist,” she is “full of respect for what the royal family now stands for.” However, the former head of Vidal Sassoon’s UK office stated in a typically self-assured fashion that “I couldn’t possibly curtsy to the Queen. I may bow, but I won’t curtsy.”