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.
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.
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, Daily Mail informs.
