Rea upgrades from MBE to OBE

Six-time Superbike World Champion Jonathan Rea attended a ceremony at Buckingham Palace in London to accept the Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) from The Princess Royal on Wednesday.

Having previously received the Member of the Order of the British Empire award for his sporting achievements back in 2017 - when his WorldSBK title tally stood at three - the upgrade to OBE recognises his continued success on the world stage and contribution to the sport of motorcycle racing.

The Northern Irishman attended Wednesday’s ceremony in the prestigious Blue Drawing Room at Buckingham Palace with his wife Tatia, sister Chloe and brother Richard.

“I am truly humbled and honoured to be recognised yet again at this level for my achievements and contribution to motorcycling,” Rea confirmed. “It seems like only yesterday I was collecting my MBE from Prince William at the Palace, but to receive an OBE from The Princess Royal and be amongst so many amazing names and legends who have also received one, is beyond anything I could have imagined.

“It really is such a privilege for me to have been made an OBE in the late Queen Elizabeth’s New Year’s Honours and to collect this honour not just for myself, but on behalf of my family, the wider Kawasaki Racing Team, and my fans in Northern Ireland and across the world,” he continued.

“What an amazing opportunity to shine a light on world class motorcycle racing and especially the talent we have that comes from my part of the world. It helps for me to stay focussed and fighting at the front in the World Superbike Championship.”