Legendary novelty singer and slapdash artist Rolf Harris has been awarded the title of Commander Of The Order Of The British Empire.
In a ceremony at Buckingham Palace, the BBC reports that Harris received the award "for services to entertainment and the arts" from Princess Anne, filling in for the Queen who is currently troubled with back pain.Harris was quoted as saying, "It's just wonderful. It's a lovely feeling." Although he was born in Perth, Harris has found much success in the UK over his extended career. The 76-year old said, "I'm still very much an Australian but I've lived here for more than half my life now and it's my adopted home.''
He continues to gush, "It was just marvellous ... quite incredible." He related the exchange between he and Princess Anne, "She said, 'This is an unexpected pleasure', and I said, 'yes, for me too'.
This is the third honour he has received from the British royal family, after his 1968 MBE and a 1977 OBE. He also recently painted a portrait of the Queen, which will hang in her official Scottish residence, the Palace of Holyrood House, at the end of November.
