Summerbee, who has represented the Club with huge distinction on and off the pitch for more than 55 years, was awarded the OBE last summer as part of the birthday honours of the late Queen Elizabeth the second.
And today, accompanied by wife Tina and members of his family, Mike was presented with the award in person from Prince William during a glittering Investiture Ceremony held at Windsor Castle.
The 80-year-old is widely acknowledged as one of the greatest figures in City’s history.
Mike made more than 700 appearances over the course of a glittering 20-year career, 451 of which came at City, where he won every honour available in the English game along with the European Cup Winners’ Cup.
The man affectionally known throughout the game as Buzzer also went on to win eight caps for England.
Since retiring, Summerbee has continued to make a huge contribution to City by serving as Club Ambassador.
Mike has also been an active campaigner for Prostate Cancer UK following his recovery from the disease, whilst also supporting Manchester’s Christie Hospital, a specialist cancer treatment centre.
Speaking after today’s ceremony in the capital/Windsor, Summerbee spoke of his own enormous sense of pride and gratitude.
“To have received this OBE from His Royal Highness this morning is one of the greatest honours of my life,” he said.
“It was a fantastic ceremony and amazing to be a part of. I never expected anything like this - I am so proud to have received this OBE and I know my family are too.
“Today has been such a special occasion - we will remember it for the rest of our lives.”
Club chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak added his own special tribute to Summerbee in the wake of today’s award.
The Chairman highlighted Mike’s enormous contribution to Manchester City alongside his tireless charity work.
And he described Summerbee as an integral member of the City family.
He said: “Today is a very special day for Mike, Tina, the Summerbee family and everyone connected with Manchester City. We are all immensely proud to see Mike honoured with his OBE.
“This is recognition so richly deserved, for a man who remains an incredible contributor to the game he loves and the charitable causes and community projects that he serves so selflessly.”
The Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) is awarded to those who have made a great impact in their line of work and Summerbee has been the very epitome of that noble endeavour.
A skilful winger who equally relished the physical side of the game, ‘Buzzer’ also played for Swindon Town, Burnley, Blackpool and Stockport County, but it is his time at City for which he is best remembered.
He spent 10 glorious years at Maine Road, scoring 68 goals to help City win the league, FA Cup, League Cup and European Cup Winners’ Cup in our fondly remembered golden era of the late 1960s and early 1970s.
After retiring, the hugely popular former player became Club Ambassador and, just as he did on the pitch, Mike has continued to excel in the role.
In 2012, Summerbee was diagnosed with prostate cancer following a routine health test.
He described his battle with the disease as his ‘greatest challenge’ and, since making a full recovery, Mike has actively campaigned to help raise awareness of a cancer which claims the lives of more than 11,500 men in the UK every year.
Summerbee first lent his support to Prostate Cancer UK’s Men United v Prostate Cancer campaign in 2014 and four years later he was guest of honour for the charity as City beat Arsenal in the 2018 Carabao Cup final at Wembley.
Now Mike’s work and efforts in trying to help combat the disease, alongside his illustrious football career, has resulted in him being presented with one of the highest honours in the land.
Everyone at Manchester City sends their warmest congratulations to Mike on this richly deserved recognition.
