London — Hari Budha Magar, a trailblazing adventurer and disability campaigner, has been made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for his services to disability awareness. The former Gurkha, who lost both legs above the knee in a 2010 IED explosion in Afghanistan, received the honor from the Princess Royal at Windsor Castle on Wednesday.

Mr. Magar, originally from Nepal and now based in Canterbury, Kent, made history in 2023 as the first above-the-knee double-amputee to summit Mount Everest. Reflecting on the moment he shared his future plans with the Princess Royal, he said, “I told her I am climbing the seven summits. She couldn’t speak for a while.” He has already climbed four of the seven highest peaks on each continent and is preparing to take on Aconcagua, South America’s tallest mountain, in February.

His journey to the top of the world was not without obstacles. In 2018, Mr. Magar successfully challenged a ban in Nepal that prohibited people with disabilities from climbing Everest. Beyond mountaineering, his advocacy for disability awareness stems from his personal struggles, including battles with mental health after his injury. “At one point, I thought I was going to die soon because I was drinking so much to control my pain and emotions. But I just wanted to live for my family. I started doing sports and gained my confidence,” he shared.

Mr. Magar’s recognition came alongside 60 other honorees, including actress Rose Ayling-Ellis, who broke barriers as the first deaf contestant on Strictly Come Dancing. Magar’s remarkable story continues to inspire, as he uses his achievements to challenge stereotypes and demonstrate the power of resilience and determination.