Geri Halliwell-Horner and Christian Horner at an investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace on Dec. 18, 2024.Photo:Aaron Chown - WPA Pool/Getty
Aaron Chown - WPA Pool/Getty
Geri Halliwell-Horneris celebrating her husbandChristian Horner’s prestigious honor fromKing Charlesahead of Christmas, as he is named a Commander of the Order of the British Empire.
On Dec. 18, the Red Bull Racing Formula 1 team principal was appointed as a CBE in the civil division for his services to motorsport, and accepted his medal from the King, 76, in an investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace. Spice Girls singer Halliwell-Horner shouted out the commemoration onInstagram, and posted a picture from the palace as her husband proudly held the honor.
“As a family, we are all incredibly proud of everything you have achieved in your 20 years@redbullracingand I know the Team feel the same. You are a leader, an innovator and a pathfinder and this distinction is a reflection of your dedication and services to motorsport. Congratulations!” she said, adding an applause and heart emojis.
Horner, 51, was recognized in King Charles'2024 New Year Honourslist, released in December 2023. It’s a well-known honor of the sovereign to confer titles upon outstanding individuals in a public recognition of their merit, service or bravery.
Honorees can accept their awards from the monarch or other members of the royal family at investiture ceremonies held throughout the year, and the Red Bull Racing CEO was celebrated alongsideOppenheimerdirectorChristopher Nolanand his wife, producerEmma Thomas, at Buckingham Palace on Dec. 18.
King Charles appoints Christian Horner as a Commander of the Order of the British Empire during an investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace on Dec. 18, 2024.PA Images/Alamy
PA Images/Alamy
Horner told reporters it was “humbling” to receive the recognition from the King, and that they had a chat about F1 as well.
“Obviously a very proud moment to be awarded this CBE,” he told reporters, theAssociated Presssaid. “It’s very humbling.”
“He was interested in how the season went, obviously followed some of the races,” he added about their banter around F1. “So it was good to catch up.”
Geri Halliwell-Horner and Christian Horner at an investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace on Dec. 18, 2024.Aaron Chown - WPA Pool/Getty
While the investiture ceremony took the couple to Buckingham Palace this week, they’ve mingled with the royals for years. King Charles andPrince Harrymemorably met the Spice Girls at their concert in South Africa in 1997, and Horner haschatted with Prince Harrymany times at F1 races around the world.
Geri Halliwell-Horner and Queen Camilla chat at a reception for the winners of the Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition at Buckingham Palace on Nov. 21, 2024.Aaron Chown - WPA Pool/Getty
Halliwell-Horner, the author of several books, recently connected withQueen Camillaat The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition at Buckingham Palace on Nov. 21, and said onsocial mediathat it was “a wonderful occasion and privilege to be a part of such an important and educational event.”
The Horners aren’t the only sporty and Spice Girl couple to have ties to the royals. In a state banquet surprise,DavidandVictoria Beckhamrecently joined the royals at the diplomatic dinner honoring the incoming visit from the Amir of Qatar on Dec. 3 at Buckingham Palace.
Victoria Beckham and David Beckham at the state banquet at Buckingham Palace for the Amir of Qatar’s incoming state visit on Dec. 3, 2024.WPA Pool/Getty
WPA Pool/Getty
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The former England soccer captainbacks King Charles' charity, The King’s Foundation, as an ambassador, and both Beckhamshold OBEsfrom the royal family.
source: people.com