Andy Murray honoured by British royal family with OBE

Andy Murray with his parents and girlfriend at Buckingham Palace

London - Scottish tennis star Andy Murray was named here Thursday as Officer of the Order of the British Empire by Prince William, who stood in for the first time for his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, at an investiture ceremony.

The 2013 Wimbledon champion had been included on the list of OBE recipients after winning last year’s US Open and claiming men’s singles gold at the London Olympics, though prior to his historic victory in July at the All England Club.

Murray, who defeated then-world No. 1 Novak Djokovic in this year’s Wimbledon final, became the first British man to win tennis’ most prestigious title in 77 years.

The world No. 4 currently is recovering from back surgery and will miss the rest of the 2013 season.

Murray made it on time for the ceremony at Buckingham Palace, accompanied by his parents and girlfriend, even though he had announced earlier on Twitter that he might be late because he was “in the middle of a drug test”.

Prince William was “nervous” before the investiture ceremony, according a royal insider, who said the Duke of Cambridge had even practiced with Palace aides because “he obviously doesn’t want to slice anyone’s ear off or stick a pin into their chest”.