Gary Rhodes and Julien Macdonald were both honoured by the Queen this week, but while Britain's head of state was obviously delighted to recognise the professional efforts of the celebrity chef and the fashion maestro, it would appear she's not quite so impressed with today's top footballers.
After presenting OBEs to Gary and Julien, when it came time to make Premiere League Chairman David Philips a knight, she asked him about the histrionics of many of the sport's biggest names.
Awarding David his knighthood she asked him about the players on-pitch antics. "She said to me, 'Football's a difficult business and aren't they prima donnas?'," revealed the 63-year-old. "I said 'Yes, Ma'am, some of them are'. She said, 'But it's a wonderful game'.
I think she meant when they fall on the floor and that they're good actors. "There were only words of praise when she met Welsh designer Julien, though. And the sartorial guru had some compliments for the monarch, too. "I would love to dress the Queen," declared the 34-year-old after receiving his medal. "She's a fashion icon - she always looks sophisticated and chic."
Gary meanwhile recalled that he had once served the sovereign's husband Prince Philip. "I was on a catering course and made many visits here and to Windsor," revealed the culinary whiz. "I remember serving vegetables to the Duke of Edinburgh and Prince Charles. The Queen said 'Oh goodness – you've certainly moved on and come a long way'."
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Proud Julien shows off his medal outside Buckingham Palace. The Welsh designer, who counts Kylie Minogue and Paris Hilton among his clients, described the Queen as a "fashion icon"
Photo: © AFP
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Gary was also presented with an OBE, in recognition of services to the hospitality industry
Photo: © AFP
