Britain’s Queen Elizabeth honored Olympic gymnast Louis Smith with an MBE yesterday (13.02.13).
The 86-year-old monarch was handing out the honors at Buckingham Palace and the athlete – who scooped silver on the pommel horse and bronze in the men’s team competition, at London 2012 – was made a Member of the British Empire.
Speaking afterwards, Louis said: ”As athletes, we have a big responsibility to keep the legacy going. I’m starting to take a step back from the entertainment side and move into charity and school work.
”People might misconstrue that because we are doing a bit of entertainment that we’re losing our way, but it’s about boosting knowledge and so that we can promote other things that we’re doing.”
When he was given the award, the queen told him: ”Here’s another one to add to your collection.”
However, Louis risked being turned away when he showed up to the London royal residence without his invitation.
He tweeted: ”Hahaha not the greatest start. @gabstone9 forgot our invites to Buckingham palace. Not quite as easy getting in as a school disco #oops (sic)”