Murray honoured: Tennis star picks up OBE

The Wimbledon champion said he felt honoured to be awarded the OBE which capped a brilliant 2012 for the sportsman who won the US Open and Olympic tennis titles last year.

Murray captured the hearts of the nation by winning the SW19 championship and cementing his place in sporting history.

He arrived well ahead of the investiture with girlfriend Kim Sears and his parents Willie and Judy, but before he appeared he tweeted about being held up by a drug test.

Prince William appeared to give a faultless performance as he presided over the ceremony, presenting awards, dubbing new knights and recognising the efforts of senior members of the armed forces.

Speaking after the event at Buckingham Palace, Murray said: “It’s a great honour to be awarded something like this – it means a lot.”

A leading professor who was made a Dame by the Duke of Cambridge did not let a little mishap spoil her big day.

Dame Nicola Cullum was the first person to receive an award from William as he hosted his inaugural investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace.

But, as she walked away, the insignia which the Duke had just pinned on her shoulder fell off – and she did not dare risk bending down in her high heels to pick it up.

Dame Nicola, from Leeds, is professor of nursing at the University of Manchester.

She later described the Duke as “lovely”.

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