Reigning WorldSBK Champion Jonathan Rea took a break from pre-season testing at Jerez today to pick up his MBE from Prince William at Buckingham Palace.

An award given by the Royal Family to an individual for outstanding service to the community, an MBE is a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire and is one of the highest orders in Britain.

The he 30 year old travelled over to England to collect the award at Buckingham Palace directly from Jerez and now joins a small list of fellow motorbike racers to have their achievements acknowledged outside of the racing community.

Greeted by bike fan himself Prince William in London on Tuesday morning, the triple champion was honoured in the Queen’s birthday honour list for his achievements in motorbike racing.

Overwhelmed by the achievement, Jonathan Rea MBE e said: “Prince William is a bit of a motorcycle fan himself, we talked about his bikes. I am very honoured to be invited here and receive an MBE. It’s been more than a dream, more than I ever expected. To come here today it kind of really sinks in what I have achieved.”