Jonathan Rea has spoken of his pride after accepting his OBE on Wednesday.
The six-time World Superbike champion added a further prestigious award to his impressive collection after he attended a ceremony at Buckingham Place.
Rea accepted his OBE from The Princess Royal and later admitted he was "truly humbled and honoured" to be recognised for his achievements and contribution to motorcycling.
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He added: "It seems like only yesterday I was collecting my MBE from Prince William at the Palace, but to receive an OBE from The Princess Royal and be amongst so many amazing names and legends who have also received one, is beyond anything I could have imagined.
“It really is such a privilege for me to have been made an OBE in the late Queen Elizabeth’s New Year’s Honours and to collect this honour not just for myself, but on behalf of my family, the wider Kawasaki Racing Team, and my fans, here in Northern Ireland and across the world."
Rea attended the ceremony in the prestigious Blue Drawing Room at Buckingham Palace with his wife Tatia, sister Chloe and brother Richard who were all there to show their support and celebrate this remarkable achievement.
He adds the OBE to the MBE he received back in 2017, emulating legendary road racer Joey Dunlop with the honours double.
“What an amazing opportunity to shine a light on world class motorcycle racing and especially the talent we have that comes from my part of the world," Rea said.
"It helps for me to stay focussed and fighting at the front in the World Superbike Championship.”
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