Legendary singer Shirley Bassey receives highest award from King Charles III.

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Dame Shirley Bassey was honoured today at an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle, presided over by King Charles III.

The 87-year-old Welsh singer was made a Companion of Honour in the New Year’s Honours List for services to music, having already been made a Dame in the 1999 Honours List.

This exclusive title is awarded for services of “outstanding national importance” and has the special feature of being limited to 65 people.

Bassey, known for recording the Bond songs In the films Goldfinger, Diamonds Are Forever and Moonraker, it was said that being honored by King Charles III made her more nervous than singing for him.

“I think it’s more nerve-wracking to accept the award from him than to sing in front of him. I mean, it’s new, different, whereas I’ve been singing since I was a child.”

“I forgot to curtsy, but that’s why I grabbed his hands because I forgot to curtsy. Instinctively,” she said.

Bassey said the king complimented her outfit, a sparkling black and white dress by Isabell Kristensen.

“I asked him how he was and he said he was fine and said, ‘You look wonderful,'” she said. “He wished me well and then I grabbed him – I know I shouldn’t have done that. But I grabbed both of his hands and said, ‘I wish you well.'”

Bassey had previously said after learning of her honour: “Receiving the Order of the Companions of Honour is simply one of the most wonderful feelings.”

“Music has been a constant companion in my life. As a little girl growing up in Tiger Bay, I dreamed of traveling the world and never imagined that my voice would one day take me where I am today.”

The singer added: “Every step of my career has been about taking that chance, believing in myself and taking that leap. I live to sing and love to perform. Entertaining audiences for over 70 years has been a privilege.”

“My heart is full of emotions and I am truly touched,” she concluded.