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British hockey's golden couple collect honours on 'dream day'

Kate Richardson-Walsh, 36, who captained Great Britain's women to a first Olympic hockey gold medal in Rio, collected an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) medal.

Former Great Britain hockey captain Kate Richardson-Walsh (L) and her wife Helen pose at Buckingham Palace in London after the investiture ceremony where they received an OBE and MBE respectively on February 17, 2017

Kate Richardson-Walsh, 36, who captained Great Britain's women to a first Olympic hockey gold medal in Rio, collected an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) medal.

She said it was "really special" to share the day with her wife and team-mate Helen Richardson-Walsh, 35, who received an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire and one rank below an OBE in Britain's public honours system).

"When I was at school and thinking of what I might be one day, this was nowhere near my radar," said Kate, who has 375 caps.

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"I wanted to be a PE (physical education) teacher and I would have been quite happy with that but this is like being in a movie. It is quite bizarre. It is like what dreams are made of.

"It was also so special to have this opportunity and see my wife have this recognition after having stood with her on the podium in Rio."

Kate and Helen married in a civil ceremony in 2013.

Helen, speaking after they received their awards from the Prince of Wales, said: "It is another nice photograph for the mantelpiece."

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