By David Hunter
World Superbike champion Jonathan Rea has been granted an MBE at Buckingham Palace.
The Ballyclare man says he chatted motorcycles with Prince William during the service this afternoon.
Father of two Rae is one of the most successful professional bikers of all time in September.
He became the first rider to clinch three successive World Superbike titles wrapping up the 2017 season.
The Kawasaki rider was honoured in the Queen's birthday honours list in June for his services to motorcycle racing.
Presenting the accolade the Duke of Cambridge expressed his own interest in bikes.
He's owned a number of bikes and taken part in motorcycle charity events using his own 1199cc Ducati.
