Williams, a 27-year-old from Bath, became Britain's first individual Winter Olympic gold medallist for 30 year when she won the bob skeleton in Vancouver earlier this year.

She said: "This is a huge honour and a privilege.

"I'm so proud.

"I was absolutely stunned and completely blown away when I heard."

The news comes a week after Williams was made a freeman of Bath, joining a short list that includes Winston Churchill. 

She said: "This really caps what has been an amazing few months since I returned from Vancouver.

"I'm really excited about going to Buckingham Palace.

"I can't wait."

Rod Carr, the former chief executive of the Royal Yachting Association and one of the main driving forces for Britain's Olympic sailing successes, is made an Order of the British Empire (OBE).

Receiving the same award is Hope Powell, the manager of the England women's football team.

Other notable names from sport recognised by the Queen include Shane Sutton, the head coach of British Cycling and the architect of much of the team's recent success, including winning 14 medals at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, and Zara Hyde Peters, the chief executive of British Triathlon.

They also receive OBE's.

Triathlon is also recognised in the form of an MBE awarded to Chrissie Wellington (pictured), winner of the World Ironman title for the last three years.

Wellington said: "I am so thrilled to have been awarded an MBE.

"It really is an incredible honour, and I am so proud to represent the sport of triathlon in the UK and around the world.

"Being awarded the MBE has given me an added boost as I train for my next ironman race, Challenge Roth in Germany in July where I hope to lower the world record that I set there last year."

Others recognised include Donna Kellogg, badminton's European mixed doubles champion, who is made an MBE six months after retiring from the sport.

She said: "I met the Queen with the Great Britain team before but I've never met her on my own, so to receive this will be amazing.

"I still can't quite believe it."

Also receiving honours are Reginald Adams, who has been involved in Scottish swimming for 50 years, John Lister, one of athletics leading administrators, and Jennifer Kent, for voluntary service to gymnastics in Kent.

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