Jonathan Rea MBE

Jonathan Rea took time out of his winter testing schedule with Kawasaki Racing Team to return to Buckingham Palace, London to receive the MBE from HRH Duke of Cambridge today.

The three-time Superbike World Champion was given the Honour of Member Order of the British Empire in recognition of his services to motorcycle racing in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List in the summer.  He joins racing legend and fellow Ulsterman Joey Dunlop, along with Superbike champion Carl Fogarty in receiving the Honour.

Having been in Jerez with the KRT squad to begin testing with the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR ahead of the 2018 season, Jonathan travelled to London to meet with his wife Tatia and his parents Johnny and Claire to enjoy the lavish ceremony at Buckingham Palace.

Receiving the Honour is a fitting end to a wonderful, history making season where the Ulsterman became the first rider to win three WorldSBK titles in a row.

Jonathan will now return to Jerez in Spain to resume testing with the team and will be on track from Wednesday till Friday.

Jonathan stated:  “It was an incredible experience to receive the MBE today from The Duke of Cambridge. The ceremony at Buckingham Palace was so nice and something I will remember forever. To be with so many other amazing people, in those surroundings, receiving their own Honours was really special. Being awarded this award outside of my sport it's makes me so proud of what I have achieved and to also be held in the same esteem as Joey Dunlop and Carl Fogarty means an awful lot to me. I was really lucky to be joined by my wife Tarsh and Mum and Dad in the audience to witness the  presentation. They have been so supportive of everything I have done and achieved so I am super happy that they can be part of this day as well."