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Queen honors Stella McCartney with Order of the British Empire

Royal distinction must run in the family: British designer Stella McCartney, daughter of Sir Paul McCartney, received an Officer of the British Empire (OBE) medal from Queen Elizabeth at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday. The 41-year-old mom of four was celebrated for her service in the fashion industry, which includes creating an Olympic 2012 line for Team Great Britain. "It's just a great honor for m
Fashion designer Stella McCartney receives her Officer of the British Empire  (OBE) medal from  Britain's Queen Elizabeth II during an Investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace in London on March 26, 2013.
Fashion designer Stella McCartney receives her Officer of the British Empire (OBE) medal from Britain's Queen Elizabeth II during an Investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace in London on March 26, 2013.Dominic Lipinski / PA via AP


tella McCartney receives her Officer of the British Empire (OBE) medal from Britain's Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace. Her father, Sir Paul McCartney of the Beatles, received an OBE in 1965.
Stella McCartney receives her Officer of the British Empire (OBE) medal from Britain's Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace on March 26. Her father, Sir Paul McCartney of the Beatles, received an OBE in 1965.Dominic Lipinski / Today

Royal distinction must run in the family: British designer Stella McCartney, daughter of Sir Paul McCartney, received an Officer of the British Empire (OBE) medal from Queen Elizabeth at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday.

The 41-year-old mom of four was celebrated for her service in the fashion industry, which includes creating an Olympic 2012 line for Team Great Britain.

"It's just a great honor for me," she told ITV News, adding that she thought the elder royal very "chic".

McCartney wore a vintage-inspired navy suit from her own collection, paired with an elegant netted headpiece that looks like something straight out of the '40s.

Proud moment: Stella McCartney poses holding her Officer of the British Empire (OBE) Award.
Proud moment: Stella McCartney poses holding her Officer of the British Empire (OBE) Award.John Stillwell / Today
Alasdhair Willis with his wife Stella McCartney pose at Buckingham Palace.
Stella McCartney and husband Alasdhair Willis pose at Buckingham Palace.WPA Pool / Today
The Beatles (Paul McCartney, George Harrison, John Lennon and Ringo Starr)  show the medals making them members of the Order of the British Empire, presented to them by the Queen at Buckingham Palace on October 26, 1965.
The Beatles (Sir Paul McCartney, George Harrison, John Lennon and Ringo Starr) show the medals making them members of the Order of the British Empire, presented to them by the queen at Buckingham Palace on October 26, 1965. Sir Paul McCartney is designer Stella McCartney's father.Today

McCartney isn't the first British designer to receive the distinction. She joins a small, talented list of noted fashion icons, including Vivienne Westwood, Sarah Burton of Alexander McQueen, and Jimmy Choo founder Tamara Mellon.

Other celebrities who have received medals from the queen include Helena Bonham Carter, Kate Winslet, David Beckham and, of course, the Beatles (in 1965). Interestingly, it seems as though the queen favors her trusty black mid-heel shoes for the prestigious ceremony:

Queen Elizabeth II presents Helena Bonham Carter with a medal at Buckingham Palace on February 22, 2012.
Queen Elizabeth II presents Helena Bonham Carter with a medal at Buckingham Palace on February 22, 2012.Dominic Lipinski / Today
Actress Kate Winslet is awarded a CBE, for services to drama by Queen Elizabeth II during a ceremony at Buckingham Palace on November 21, 2012.
Actress Kate Winslet is awarded a CBE, for services to drama by Queen Elizabeth II during a ceremony at Buckingham Palace on November 21, 2012.Dominic Lipinski / Today