Victoria Beckham cracks a smile and shuns a hat as she receives OBE from Prince William

Victoria Beckham couldn’t hide her grin as she was awarded an OBE by Prince William at Buckingham Palace today.

The former Spice Girl, who turned 43 earlier this week, was recognised for her contribution to the fashion industry.

“It was an absolute pleasure to be at Buckingham Palace today,” the designer commented. “I’m proud to be British, honoured and humbled to receive my OBE from the Duke of Cambridge. If you dream big and work hard, you can accomplish great things.”

Victoria’s fashion line debuted at New York Fashion Week in September 2008. Her first collection showed just ten dresses but received rave reviews.

She is now seen as a serious fashion designer and has won numerous awards – namely Best Brand at the 2011 and 2014 British Fashion Awards. Last year, the Victoria Beckham brand made £36 million.

To receive her OBE earlier today, Victoria donned a long-sleeved black dress. It seemed a modest look until the gown’s thigh-high slit was revealed as the designer walked back to the car.

Forgoing her newfound love of flats, Victoria paired the dark dress with a pair of super high purple stilettos.

Her husband, David Beckham, and her parents accompanied her to the ceremony that also saw athlete Jessica Ennis-Hill become a Dame and award-winning actor Mark Rylance receive a knighthood.

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