A deaf studies teacher embraced the Prince of Wales as she was appointed OBE at an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle.
Wendy Daunt was recognised in the New Year Honours for services to the Royal School for the Deaf in Derby and the deaf community.
The brief interaction ended with gasps in the room, according to eyewitnesses, when Ms Daunt asked, and received, a hug from the prince.
In a statement, the Royal School for the Deaf said it was "so proud of Wendy, and her legacy and influence remains strong".
Sharing the news in a Facebook post, the school said Wendy was "so pleased" to receive the award.
She was quoted in the post as saying: "I am getting older now, yet the warrior and passion is still in me and this award will give me more wind in my sails to carry on influencing people with my work at RSDD and the whole community."