July 10th 2024.
Shirley Bassey, the iconic singing legend, had the honor of meeting King Charles at Windsor Castle on Tuesday. As one of the esteemed guests, she received a Companion of Honour award for her outstanding contributions to music. However, in a candid moment, Shirley revealed that she had accidentally broken royal protocol during her interaction with the King at a recent award ceremony.
Despite being a Dame since 1999, the Goldfinger singer admitted that receiving an award from the King was more nerve-racking than performing in front of him. "I mean, it's new and different, whereas singing is something I've been doing since I was a child," she shared with reporters. Shirley then went on to explain that she had forgotten to curtsey when meeting the King and instead instinctively reached out to shake his hand.
But that wasn't the only faux pas Shirley committed. The Welsh singer also revealed that she had complimented the King during their interaction. "I asked him how he was, and he said he was fine and then he said, 'You look wonderful'," she recalled with a smile. "I know I shouldn't have done it, but I grabbed both his hands and said, 'I wish you well'."
This wasn't Shirley's first time meeting members of the Royal Family. She had previously met the late Queen Elizabeth II on multiple occasions and had also met King Charles when he was still Prince of Wales. "I think the first time I sang for the Queen was at the Royal Variety, my very first show," she shared. "And then I did quite a few after and I was very blase about it."
But Tuesday marked the first time Shirley met the King as the reigning monarch. Over the years, she had sung for him on numerous occasions. Reflecting on the honour she received, Shirley expressed her gratitude and humility. "Receiving the Order of the Companions of Honour is one of the most wonderful feelings," she said. "Music has been a constant companion in my life, and entertaining audiences for over 70 years has been a privilege. My heart is full of emotion, and I am truly humbled."
In fact, Shirley's journey as a singer began in her childhood in Tiger Bay, where she would dream of traveling the world with her voice. "I never imagined that one day my voice would take me to where I am now," she shared. "And to receive such recognition for my contributions to music over the last seven decades is truly an honor."
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