Andy Murray Almost Late to Order of the British Empire Ceremony

Wimbledon champion Andy Murray was almost late to the investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace, which was conducted for the first time by The Duke of Cambridge, Prince William, because anti-doping officials visited him for random drug tests.

“They turned up at my door at 8.20am and I had a taxi booked for half past eight,” said Murray. “I was a bit worried I was going to be late but the taxi did a great job in getting us here.

“It’s part of the job but when you have a day like today you are looking forward to, it’s the last thing you need.”

Murray received the Order of the British Empire for his service in tennis. In 2012, he became the first man from Great Britain to advance to the Wimbledon finals in 74 years. He lost to Roger Federer, but ended up beating Federer on the same court at the 2012 London Olympics. Murray went on to win his first Grand Slam at the US Open that September, which made him the first man from the UK to do so since Fred Perry won Wimbledon in 1936 and the first since 1977 to win a Grand Slam singles event. He was the 2013 Wibledon champion from the British Isles since Perry won 77 years ago.

The duke spoke to Murray for about 50 seconds.

“He asked me about my recent back surgery which I had a few weeks ago and how I was feeling after Wimbledon, was there a lot of pressure on me.

“I teased him a bit as he had sent a note to me before Wimbledon wishing me luck and his wife had written me a letter afterwards. Her handwriting was beautiful and I told him how fantastic it was compared to his.

“I have met him a few times before and he has always been very easy going. He seemed very relaxed today.”