Britain’s Queen Elizabeth awarded Kate Bush a CBE for services to music yesterday (10.04.13).
The monarch handed over the prestigious award to the music legend at an investiture ceremony at London’s Windsor Castle, and the 54-year-old star – who rarely makes public appearances or gives interviews – joked she will put the accolade on top of her Christmas tree.
She said in a statement: ”I feel incredibly thrilled to receive this honor which I share with my family, friends and fellow musicians and everybody who has been such an important part of it all,” she said.
”Now I’ve got something special to put on top of the Christmas tree.”
The ‘Wuthering Heights’ hitmaker did not pose for photographs at the castle and left the building through a different exit to avoid speaking directly to journalists.
Kate has recorded hits with music greats including Sir Elton John, Prince and Eric Clapton, but she has only ever toured once, in 1979.
As well as Kate, the queen also awarded MBEs to Team GB stars Helen Glover and Heather Stanning, who became the first British women ever to win Olympic gold for rowing at London 2012.
Their coach Robin Williams was also honored with an MBE, as was Olympic showjumper Peter Charles and cyclist Dani King.