Spice Girl Geri Halliwell-Horner Celebrates Husband Christian Horner's Royal Honor from King Charles

Yesterday at 08:09 PM

The Red Bull Racing Formula 1 team principal said he and the King (of course) spoke about motorsport

Geri Halliwell-Horner is celebrating her husband Christian Horner's prestigious honor from King Charles ahead of Christmas, as he is named a Commander of the Order of the British Empire.

On Dec. 18, the Red Bull Racing Formula 1 team principal was appointed as a CBE in the civil division for his services to motorsport, and accepted his medal from the King, 76, in an investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace. Spice Girls singer Halliwell-Horner shouted out the commemoration on Instagram, and posted a picture from the palace as her husband proudly held the honor. 

"Today I had the honour of accompanying @christianhorner as he was made a Commander of the British Empire by his Majesty the King at Buckingham Palace," she wrote in the caption. The couple dressed in their royal best for the palace ceremony, where Halliwell-Horner wore her go-to white hue and Horner sported a morning suit. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Geri (@gerihalliwellhorner)

Related: Sir Christopher Nolan! Oppenheimer Director and Wife Emma Thomas Receive Knighthood and Damehood from King Charles

"As a family, we are all incredibly proud of everything you have achieved in your 20 years @redbullracing and I know the Team feel the same. You are a leader, an innovator and a pathfinder and this distinction is a reflection of your dedication and services to motorsport. Congratulations!" she said, adding an applause and heart emojis.

Horner, 51, was recognized in King Charles' 2024 New Year Honours list, released in December 2023. It's a well-known honor of the sovereign to confer titles upon outstanding individuals in a public recognition of their merit, service or bravery. 

Honorees can accept their awards from the monarch or other members of the royal family at investiture ceremonies held throughout the year, and the Red Bull Racing CEO was celebrated alongside Oppenheimer director Christopher Nolan and his wife, producer Emma Thomas, at Buckingham Palace on Dec. 18.

Related: David and Victoria Beckham Make Surprise Appearance at Buckingham Palace for State Banquet

Horner told reporters it was "humbling" to receive the recognition from the King, and that they had a chat about F1 as well. 

"Obviously a very proud moment to be awarded this CBE," he told reporters, the Associated Press said. "It's very humbling."

"He was interested in how the season went, obviously followed some of the races," he added about their banter around F1. "So it was good to catch up."

Earlier this year, Horner was cleared of allegations of inappropriate behavior in an investigation by Red Bull Racing's parent company. Horner previously denied any wrongdoing. 

While the investiture ceremony took the couple to Buckingham Palace this week, they've mingled with the royals for years. King Charles and Prince Harry memorably met the Spice Girls at their concert in South Africa in 1997, and Horner has chatted with Prince Harry many times at F1 races around the world. 

Halliwell-Horner, the author of several books, recently connected with Queen Camilla at The Queen's Commonwealth Essay Competition at Buckingham Palace on Nov. 21, and said on social media that it was "a wonderful occasion and privilege to be a part of such an important and educational event."

The Horners aren't the only sporty and Spice Girl couple to have ties to the royals. In a state banquet surprise, David and Victoria Beckham recently joined the royals at the diplomatic dinner honoring the incoming visit from the Amir of Qatar on Dec. 3 at Buckingham Palace.

Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more!

The former England soccer captain backs King Charles' charity, The King's Foundation, as an ambassador, and both Beckhams hold OBEs from the royal family.