OLYMPIC gold medal-winner Katherine Grainger came face to face with the Queen as she was given her damehood at Buckingham Palace.

The rowing star, who has won medals at the last five consecutive Olympics – a gold and four silvers – was presented with the honour during an investiture ceremony today.

Speaking afterwards, she said: "It's wonderful and obviously on a day like this it sinks in properly. 

"Although the title has been usable since January, it still doesn't feel quite real. As an athlete it's not something you ever realistically aim for, or think about, so for it to be awarded is incredible. It takes a while to feel you fit the shoes."

Dame Katherine, who is Chancellor of Oxford Brookes University, became Britain's most-decorated female Olympic athlete when she won silver at Rio last year.

She has five medals, including gold from London 2012 and silver from each Olympics dating back to Sydney 2000.

It was revealed she would be made a Dame in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List. 

Dame Katherine, who has now retired from rowing, became Chancellor of Oxford Brookes in March 2015.

She will hold the position for seven years. 

Professor Alistair Fitt, the university's Vice-Chancellor, said: “Everyone at Oxford Brookes is so proud of our Chancellor and her latest accolade.

"Katherine is a real inspiration to our staff and students and it is entirely fitting for her to have received this significant honour.

"For the past two years, we have benefitted greatly from Katherine being our Chancellor and on behalf of Oxford Brookes I wish to personally congratulate her on this special day.”