So she could be forgiven for forgetting to curtsy to the King when she was made a Companion of Honour for services to music.
The 87-year-old Welsh singer, who was brought up in poverty in Cardiff’s Tiger Bay and went on to forge a celebrated seven-decade career, blamed nerves for making her forget royal protocol at Windsor Castle.
“I think it’s more nerve-racking to receive the award from him than to sing in front of him,” she said. “I mean, it’s new, different, whereas singing, I’ve been doing since I was a child.
“I forgot to curtsy, but that’s why I grabbed his hands – because I forgot to curtsy. Instinctive.”
CLASSIC STYLE
Although we’re used to seeing the Diamonds Are Forever singer dressed head-to-toe in sequins, Dame Shirley, who was joined at the ceremony by her daughter Sharon, grandson Sebastian and great-granddaughter Sofia, chose a more formal frock to fit the occasion – a sparkling black-and-white Isabell Kristensen dress.
Her choice of outfit paid off when she received a compliment, as well as the honour, from His Majesty.
Denne historien er fra July 22, 2024-utgaven av HELLO! UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra July 22, 2024-utgaven av HELLO! UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
MAKING A CAREER COMEBACK AND DEEPLY IN LOVE KEANU REEVES HITS NEW HIGHS AS HE CELEBRATES TURNING 60
He has long held a reputation for having the biggest heart in Hollywood, and as Keanu Reeves celebrates his 60th birthday, life seems to be treating him well in return.
OSCAR-WINNING ACTRESS ALICIA VIKANDER ON PLAYING HENRY VIII'S LAST WIFE IN NEW FILM
When Alicia Vikander signed on to play one of the most famous women in British history in the new movie Firebrand, she knew it was important to get her portrayal right. But despite spending many hours researching the significance of Katherine Parr, the sixth and final wife of Henry VIII, she also acknowledges that becoming a mother she shares two children with her actor husband Michael Fassbender was invaluable when it came to getting into such a historical character.
BERNARDO SILVA AND MODEL WIFE HAVE A BALL AT DAUGHTER'S FIRST BIRTHDAY BASH
Dribbling, (sleep) training, athome games, even changing ends for Premier League footballer Bernardo Silva, they have all taken on new meaning over the past 12 months.
QUEEN RANIA OF JORDAN RADIATES ELEGANCE IN LATEST BIRTHDAY PORTRAIT
Becoming a grandmother certainly hasn't robbed Queen Rania of her sparkle. Judging by a new official photo released in celebration of her 54th birthday (left), it has merely enhanced it.
NICOLE KIDMAN A PERFECT BELLE IN BALENCIAGA AS SHE STEALS SHOW AT LONDON PREMIERE
She and her husband Keith Urban might be considered The Perfect Couple, but Australian superstar Nicole was only too happy to go it alone when she donned a stunning black Balenciaga gown for the London premiere of the new Netflix show, in which she stars as matriarch novelist Greer Winbury.
KATE BECKINSALE PLAYS A SHORT - AND A LONG-GAME AT VENICE GALA
The star-studded amfAR Gala in Venice was a peachy occasion for actress Kate Beckinsale, who walked the red carpet dressed in the cheerful hue last week.
RED HOT ON THE RED CARPET COUPLES COSY UP IN VENICE THAT'S AMORE FOR GLAMOROUS STARS AT THE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
For many it's the city of love - and Daniel who looked smart in a Meanwhile, fans of Lady Gaga who accompanied her to the the film stars descending on bespoke suit by Loewe plays one of were treated to a glimpse of her new year, we offer film, in which she Venice for this year's International Film Festival certainly made it live up to that name, cosying up to their partners on the red carpet.
AS SHE UNVEILS HER LATEST FASHION COLLECTION LAURA WHITMORE ON STYLE INSPO AND THE JOY OF A MULTI-FACETED CAREER
Posing up a storm in our exclusive HELLO! photoshoot, Laura Whitmore is reminiscing about when she first discovered an interest in fashion growing up in Bray, Co. Wicklow.
PROVING THAT HOME IS WHERE THE ART IS THE PRINCE OF WALES SHARES STORIES WITH ARTISTS AT SHOW INSPIRED BY HOMELESSNESS CAMPAIGN
Fresh from his summer break, the Prince of Wales returned to royal duties last week, sporting the beard he debuted in August.
VINTAGE FASHION FAN LADY AMELIA WINDSOR ENJOYS AN INTIMATE BELATED BIRTHDAY BASH
When it comes to celebrating in style, Lady involved. Sipping on a chardonnay from Chile's neither confirms nor denies if she will be attending Amelia Windsor knows how to deliver.