My biggest honour yet - Beckham

David Beckham today admitted receiving his OBE from the Queen was probably the highest honour of his career so far.

The England captain, who scored in Real Madrid’s Champions League victory in Marseille last night, sported formal morning dress of black top hat and tails for the ceremony at Buckingham Palace where he was accompanied by his wife Victoria.

“This is just an amazing day,” said Beckham. “It’s a dream come true.

“It’s definitely on a par with my football medals – if not better. Her Majesty said she was very pleased to be giving me this award.”

The former Manchester United star revealed the Queen had asked about his travelling arrangements to and from Spain.

“She asked if it was exhausting travelling around the world to play football matches, and I said ‘no, because I am used to it now’.

“I know Her Majesty is a football fan because when I was at a number 10 reception, the Prime Minister told me he had watched a World Cup game on television with the Queen and William and Harry.”

Beckham, who scored with a trademark free-kick in France, revealed he was nursing a bad back.

“I scored a goal but I also picked up an injury. But it’s back to Spain for me tonight to prepare for a league game on Saturday.

“I love it in Spain – I love the football and I love the life.”

First, however, there was time for a family celebration.

“I think Victoria has organised a surprise lunch somewhere nice.

“We’ll meet up with our children. Brooklyn is four and a half now and Romeo is one and a half, and we thought they were probably just a bit too young to sit through an investiture.”

Beckham’s wife wore a black tailored outfit with designer hat featuring fine feathers and the midfielder spoke lovingly of her pride when he received the award from the Queen.

“Victoria is so proud – maybe she was even crying. And I’m so proud that she could be here today to share this with me.”

The Beckhams were accompanied by Beckham’s maternal grandparents, Joseph and Peggy West and arrived in style in two chauffeur-driven Bentleys.

“One is mine and I hired the other one for my grandparents,” Beckham revealed.