The Queen and Jessica Ennis, both recently named the two most inspirational women in Britain, were together this week at Buckingham Palace. On Wednesday, London 2012 poster girl Jessica was honoured by the sovereign. Stunning in a form-fitting Antonio Berardi dress and matching pink hat, Jessica beamed at the Queen as she presented her with a CBE for services to athletics.
The heptathlon queen led sporting stars of the New Year Honours list – which also included Cherie Blair and Stella McCartney. She received a medal for her stellar effort at last summer's Olympic Games, during which Great Britain won 65 medals. Jessica contributed to that tally by winning gold and the star was clearly thrilled to be recognised. "I'm feeling very excited, though it was nerve-wracking before. It's incredible to receive this," she said. Asked what the Queen had said, Ennis replied: "You know when you're so nervous and you forget? She just said the summer was amazing, 'How's training going?', so it was very, very nice. "Speaking of the amazing summer which had contributed to her CBE, Jessica said: "It was just an amazing year for British athletics and British sport and to be part of that in such a big way was incredible."
