Feathering the nest: Beckham given OBE

Having long reigned over Beckingham Palace, yesterday it was time for David Beckham and his wife Victoria to sample a taste of the real thing.

The couple made a trip to Buckingham Palace upon the invitation of the Queen who bestowed upon the footballer the insignia of his OBE.

The Beckhams were dressed in matching sleek black outfits by Dolce & Gabbana ­ complete with a feather headdress that would not look out of place at Ascot for Victoria and a silk top hat for David.

"Victoria is so proud," said the captain of the England football team. "I'm so proud that she could be here to share this with me." The Beckhams were accompanied by the footballer's maternal grandparents, Joseph and Peggy West, and the party arrived in two chauffeur-driven Bentleys.

"Her Majesty said she was very pleased to be giving me this award. She asked if it was exhausting travelling around the world to play football and I said no, because I am used to it now," said Beckham.