Liz Peace, chief executive at the British Property Federation, collected her CBE for services to the property industry from Buckingham Palace yesterday.

Peace joked: ‘The Queen has personally assured me over the royal estate's Green credentials and she is firmly onboard regarding the Merton rule having to be flexible over on or off-site renewables. However, moves for a Royal REIT will take some more intense lobbying over the coming months.’

Ian Marcus, president of the BPF, said: ‘It's a well deserved recognition of the fabulous contribution Liz has made to the industry over the last six years. What's more, it's evidence of how the BPF has continued to raise the profile of the industry through its mix of dynamic leadership and extensive support from members, and with the continued support of all concerned we can strive to meet our obligations on sustainability and fighting climate change.’

The honour was announced in the New Year's honours list.