The King was able to award one of his favourite musicians with a significant honour at Windsor Castle but the star admitted later that she’d been so excited, she’d forgotten a staple of royal meetings.
King Charles made Dame Shirley Bassey a Companion of Honour at a service at Windsor Castle. Dame Shirley, 87, has been one of the most successful singers of the 20th and 21st centuries and is known for a host of iconic songs including the themes from a trio of James Bond films: “Goldfinger”, “Diamonds are Forever”, and Moonraker.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe King has long been a fan of Bassey’s work and has met her several times.
Dame Shirley shared afterwards that although she has performed for several members of the Royal Family over her career, it was still a tense day for her with a small slip-up. She said ”I think it’s more nerve-racking to receive the award from him than to sing in front of him… I forgot to curtsy, but that’s why I grabbed his hands because I forgot to curtsy.”
The Welsh singer is now in a small group of people who are members of the Order of the Companions of Honour, as there are only 65 members at any given time.
Embed from Getty ImagesKing George V founded the Order in 1917 specifically to recognise people who have made major and long-standing achievements and contributions in the arts, sciences, government, or medicine.
The Royal Family shared several photographs on Instagram of King Charles (then Prince of Wales) and Queen Elizabeth II meeting Dame Shirley.
