British sporting hero Andy Murray has been awarded an OBE by Prince William at Buckingham Palace, who was performing his first ever investiture.
This summer, Andy became the first Briton to win Wimbledon since Virginia Wade in 1977, and the first British man to win it since Fred Perry in 1936.
When the player's name was called - 'Mr Andrew Murray For Services to Tennis' - William gave a broad grin and the pair talked animatedly for around a minute, noticeably longer than any of the other recipients.
However, Andy was very nearly late for the ceremony.
At 8.30am the Scot tweeted that he was having to undergo a drugs test and may be late.
It read: 'I'm in the middle of a drug test hahaha I'm goin to be late!!!'
Fortunately he arrived at the palace on time with girlfriend Kim Sears and his parents Willie and Judy (who is the captain of the British Fed Cup team) in a chauffeur-driven people carrier.
William was performing the investiture on behalf of his grandmother, the Queen. He was permitted to wear his RAF Uniform as, although he has left operational service, he officially remains in the force until January 2014.
He presented awards to recipients from across the UK, including an OBE to Vicar Of Dibley producer Jon Plowman and an MBE to presenter Aled Jones.
Prince William grins broadly as he presents Andy Murray with an OBE during his first ever investiture
Duke of Cambridge smiled when player's name was read out
Talked to the tennis star for longer than any other award winner
Wimbledon champion arrived with girlfriend Kim Sears and his parents
Was presented with the honour alongside presenter Aled Jones
Prince is in 'transitional year' after giving up RAF duties
Rumoured to be taking on more public responsibilities
By Rebecca English and Wills Robinson
17 October 2013
Daily Mail
Prince William spent a minute chatting with Andy Murray when he was invited up to receive an OBE at Buckingham Palace.
When the player's name was called - 'Mr Andrew Murray For Services to Tennis' - William gave a broad grin and the pair talked animatedly for around a minute, noticeably longer than any of the other recipients.
The tennis star was receiving the honour from the Duke of Cambridge, who was hosting his first investiture ceremony on behalf of the Queen.
Award: Wimbledon champion Andy Murray smiles as he receives his OBE medal from the Duke of Cambridge, in his RAF uniform, during his first investiture ceremony
Proud: The tennis star shakes Prince William's hand after he is given his medal
Chat: The Duke of Cambridge spoke to the tennis star for longer than any other of the award winners
But there was concern that the star might not make it at all.
At 8.30am the player tweeted that he was having to undergo a drugs test and may be late.
It read: 'I'm in the middle of a drug test hahaha I'm goin to be late!!!'
Fortunately Murray arrived at the palace on time with girlfriend Kim Sears and his parents Willie and Judy in a chauffeur-driven people carrier.
The group looked relaxed as they posed for photographs and then walked inside the Queen's official London home for the start of the ceremony.
William was presenting awards to recipients from across the UK, including an OBE to Vicar Of Dibley producer Jon Plowman and an MBE to presenter Aled Jones.
Prince William awards Andy Murray for 'service to tennis'
William chose to wear his No.1 RAF Uniform with aiguillettes, which signal his honorary rank as ADC (Personal) to The Queen. His RAF wings are sewn onto his uniform.
There were no decorations (i.e. medals or Garter sash) as is usual practice for Investitures.
The prince was permitted to wear his RAF Uniform as, although he has left operational service, he officially remains in the force until January 2014.
The Duke has recently given up operational duties with the RAF after serving three years as a search-and-rescue helicopter pilot in North Wales.
He is now in a 'transitional' year, sources have said, and is considering options for his public service.
Murray became a British sporting hero in the summer after becoming the first British man to win Wimbledon since 1936
Smiles: Andy Murray and his girlfriend Kim Sears arrive at Buckingham Palace to receive an OBE during Prince William's first investiture ceremony
Support: The Wimbledon champion was also joined by his parents Judy and Will
Services to the restaurant industry: Jill Stein, who co-owns The Seafood Restaurant with TV Chef Rick Stein, was also given an OBE
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