Victoria Beckham Was All Smiles to Receive OBE From Prince William

It seems that Victoria Beckham’s smile was returned safely. The fashion designer, who was awarded the Order of the British Empire by Prince William in London on Wednesday, couldn’t help but grin upon receiving the honor.

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

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

The mother of four, wearing a black knit dress of her own design and maroon high heels, was accompanied to the ceremony by her husband, David Beckham, and her parents. “Without their love and support, none of this would be possible,” she said of her family.

Beckham, who began her 17-year career as a singer with a love of little Gucci dresses, launched her eponymous fashion line at New York Fashion Week in September 2008. Her first collection showed just 10 dresses but received rave reviews and has only grown from there.

Just like Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, Beckham has successfully shifted the public’s perception of her from that of a WAG to a serious fashion designer. Not only are her designs worn on red carpets by celebrities such as Selena Gomez and Eva Longoria, but her brand is lucrative and has even received prestigious industry awards.

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