Holmes received her insignia at Buckingham Palace

The 34-year-old was named a Dame in the New Year Honours List after winning the 800m and 1500m gold medals in Athens.

She was accompanied at her investiture by her mother, father and grandfather.

"The Queen said she was delighted to give me the honour and said the gold medals were a great achievement," revealed the Kent athlete.

"When I heard the national anthem, at the start of the investiture, it brought tears to my eyes, because it brought back memories of standing on the rostrum in Athens.

Have your say on Five live: Congratulate Dame Kelly Holmes

"I have won 14 major medals and to top it off with this is fantastic."

Holmes has received a host of honours since her success at the Athens Games, including the 2004 BBC Sports Personality of the Year award.

But there was also speculation that she could retire from athletics after admitting to a lack of hunger.

She was forced to miss the recent European Indoor Championships because of a hamstring injury.

Holmes targets world gold

And that disappointment, Holmes says, has made her more focused on winning a medal at the World Championships in Helsinki in August.

"Everything is on track for the outdoor season," she said.

"I can never beat what I've achieved - never, ever - I just have to re-evaluate my goals."