Recent knee surgery was not enough to keep Shaun Goater from a date with Her Majesty yesterday.

Smiling widely and striding smartly, the Bermudian pro footballer collected his MBE (Members of the Order of the British Empire) insignia from Queen Elizabeth at Buckingham Palace in the presence of his wife, Anita, and mother, Lynette.

Looking dapper - and very different - in his morning suit and tie, the 33-year-old savoured the occasion which will no doubt rank alongside some of his brilliant moments in the spotlight as a striker.

The Reading player was among awardees in the Queen's annual birthday honours list in June. He and fellow Bermudian soccer pro David Bascome received MBEs for their contribution to the sport and the community.

The two established the annual Pro Soccer Clinic for young footballers here 12 years ago and this year Goater held his inaugural Grassroots Soccer Festival.

Another of Goater's football pals, retired Bermudian pro Kyle Lightbourne, was also scheduled to have witnessed his friend's big day.