Award-winner chats with the Duke of Cambridge as he celebrates her national recognition

Instead, the Duke of Cambridge walked over to her table at Kensington Palace to pass on his congratulations after she was recognised for turning her life around.

The 21-year-old from Sunderland turned to Centrepoint after leaving care two years ago as she struggled in her new accommodation service because of problems with her mental health.

She moved into the charity’s hostel in the city and its staff worked with her to put together a routine and encouraged her to work through her anxieties.

As part of their efforts, Carly turned to fitness to improve her wellbeing and give her a sense of control.

She has gradually returned to work as she begins to live independently.

Her hard work led to Centrepoint’s team nominating her for the Rising Star Award at its annual ceremony, with the titles presented to the winners by Prince William.

Carly has said it should have been her key worker Shaun Graham who won the accolade. Jen Foster, head of housing North East for the charity, said: “We’ve known her since about 2014, and she came to us for about one year, but she was struggling with her mental health, so she continued to work with us.

“Now she’s got her own place, but she still calls in and keeps in touch and comes in to say hello.

“Shaun really supported her and helped her and Carly worked hard.”

Carly said: “When I first came to Centrepoint, I was really scared that being surrounded by people who had similar issues, that it might make me worse.

“But by being around people who had the same issues as me, I realised that I didn’t want to be in the same situation forever and that I needed to get help before it was too late.

“Centrepoint helped me get my own flat”