Manchester United great Denis Law has described being awarded a CBE at Buckingham Palace as “fantastic”.
The 76-year-old, who was given the honour for his services to football and charity, was honoured alongside actor Idris Elba and Blur frontman Damon Albarn.
Aberdeen-born Law, who scored 237 goals during his time at United and rounded off his career by representing Scotland at the 1974 World Cup in West Germany, said the royal recognition was unexpected.
Speaking after the ceremony he said: “I just think this is the type of honour that goes to other people. You do not expect to get something like this. It’s fantastic.”
He said he enjoyed some brief footballing banter with the Duke of Cambridge, who is an Aston Villa supporter.
He said: “The conversation was a bit short because they (Aston Villa) are bottom of the league and things are not going well but the thing is, when you’re a supporter you will support your team wherever they are. So I was glad that he supports them, because that’s his team.”
Law, who was one third of what became known as Manchester United’s Holy Trinity, when he played alongside George Best and Sir Bobby Charlton during his 11-year stint with the Red Devils, said it is “lovely” to see players like teen sensation Marcus Rashford coming up through the ranks.
He said: “It’s wonderful that young players get that opportunity. For Rashford to come into the side, a local boy, it’s really fantastic. Let’s hope that things go well for him.”
Asked if Rashford could be the next Denis Law he said: “Who knows?”
Law, who is a fundraiser for Cancer Research UK and a patron for the Meningitis Now charity, said he is feeling “fine” having recovered from prostate cancer in 2003.
The father-of-five, who brought his wife Diana, son Andrew and daughter, also Diana, to the palace said they would celebrate with a pub lunch before being joined by the rest of the family later.
Luther star Elba was awarded an OBE for services to drama, while singer-songwriter Albarn, 47, received an OBE for services to music.
Albarn, who also co-founded virtual band Gorillaz, wore a smart navy suit with black tassled loafers.
Ahead of the ceremony Elba, 43, tweeted a picture of himself dressed in a dark suit, white shirt and black tie, standing in front of a luxury black car.
He wrote: “Flying the East End flag at Buckingham Palace today!!! OBE Day … How does the boy look? Feeling Proppa…:)“
A number of people who commented on the post said they thought Elba resembled James Bond. There has been speculation that the actor is next in line to play 007 although the author of the latest Bond novel Anthony Horowitz apologised after describing Elba as “too street” for the role.
