Victoria Beckham receives OBE from Duke of Cambridge

Victoria Beckham was awarded an OBE for her contribution to fashion.

The former Spice Girl was presented with the honour by the Duke of Cambridge at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday (19 April) in recognition of her achievements in the British fashion industry over the last 17 years.

Wearing a black dress matched with purple heels, the fashion designer said she was "honoured and humbled" to receive the award.

"It was an absolute pleasure to be at Buckingham Palace today," she said, adding: "I'm proud to be British, honoured and humbled to receive my OBE from the Duke of Cambridge.

Celebrating her success she said: "If you dream big and work hard you can accomplish great things. I'm so happy to share this very special occasion with my parents and husband; without their love and support, none of this would be possible."

Victoria arrived at the Palace accompanied by her proud parents, Jackie and Tony. While her four children Brooklyn, 18, Romeo, 14, and Cruz, 12, and five-year-old daughter Harper were not present, Romeo took to Instagram to share a heart-warming message to show his support for his mother as she received her royal honour.

"Mum, I love u so much and hope you have the best day ever!!, " he wrote. "You are the most amazing mum and you are perfect In every way. I love how you make me laugh every day and whatever happens you always seem to be happy. I love you to the moon and back xx have the best day ever !!"

According to Mail Online, a source close to the designer said: "Victoria is incredibly proud of the fashion brand she has built and ever thankful for her amazing team. She is especially thrilled that her philanthropic work as a UNAIDS goodwill ambassador, creating a voice and awareness for women with HIV that suffer prejudice and discrimination has been recognised in this way."

Its was announced in December 2016 that the star was to be recognised in the New Years Honours list. However, the celebrity faced criticism after she broke with royal protocol and went public with the news stating that she was 'delighted and humbled for the recognition'. She was accused of "a betrayal of etiquette" after prematurely leaking the news.

After the Spice Girls went their separate ways in 2000, Victoria attempted to launch a short-lived solo career. Dubbed Posh Spice in recognition of her sense of style, the singer turned to her passion for fashion to carve a lucrative second career.

She debuted her fashion line at New York Fashion Week in September 2008, receiving high praise for her minimalist styling and clean lines. Opening her flagship store in London on Dover Street in 2014,she opened a second store in Hong Kong in 2016.

Designer to stars such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Sienna Miller and Eva Longoria, today she is the doyenne of the British fashion industry and in 2016 was nominated for the prestigious Womenswear Designer of the Year gong and reportedly has an annual turnover of £34miliion.

In March 2016, she announced the launch of her first plus-size clothing range through her partnership with American department store, Target.

The designer is introducing the clothing, including dresses and other garments, to suit women up to a size XXXL, the UK equivalent of size 24.

The move forms part of the former Spice Girl's efforts to break the affordable market, having previously focused efforts on the high-class fashion clientele.

Victoria's royal honour comes 17 years after her husband David Beckham received an OBE for services to football in 2003. Speaking last year for the documentary Our Queen At Ninety, the former England star said it remains one of his proudest moment.