She has previously said she was ‘truly humbled’ when she heard the news that she was receiving a damehood.
And on Friday Darcey Bussell was awarded the honour from the Queen during an investiture at Buckingham Palace on Friday.
The achievement follows a glittering 20-year ballet career and was given for her services to dance including her time as the principal ballerina with the Royal Ballet.
Special occasion: Darcey Bussell was awarded a damehood from the Queen during an investiture at Buckingham Palace on Friday
Darcey then went on to swap her ballet shoes for ballroom heels when she joined Stricty Come Dancing in 2012 as a judge.
Following her meeting with the Queen, Darcey said that the experience was a bit like getting married, you realise you’re there and suddenly it’s nearly over.
She added: ‘It was such a shock, I wasn’t expecting it at all. I’m still supporting the dance world and for me it’s recognition for all the dance institutions I’m involved with.’
Grateful: She has previously said she was ‘truly humbled’ when she heard the news that she was receiving a damehood
Achievements: The achievement follows a glittering 20-year ballet career and was given for her services to dance including her time as the principal ballerina with the Royal Ballet
Dame Darcey: Following her meeting with the Queen, Darcey said that the experience was a bit like getting married, you realise you’re there and suddenly it’s nearly over
The Strictly judge went on to suggest that Prince Harry would make a ‘fantastic’ addition to the BBC dancing competition.
Darcey said: ‘I would love to see Harry … I think he would try everything.
‘He’d probably be great on Strictly, wouldn’t he? He would be fantastic.’
Future contestant? The Strictly judge went on to suggest that Prince Harry would make a ‘fantastic’ addition to the BBC dancing competition
She also revealed she had previously invited the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall to sit in the Strictly audience, adding ‘that would be extraordinary’.
Asked what she would recommend for Harry and Meghan Markle’s first dance at their wedding this month, she said: ‘I’d love to know their first dance, I had Abba – Dancing Queen – so I can imagine they would have something fun like that, but gosh, who knows, everybody has different things.’
For the occasion Darcy wore a floral shift dress in bright colours accompanied with a striking fascinator.
Royal guests: She also revealed she had previously invited the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall to sit in the Strictly audience, adding ‘that would be extraordinary’
Also in attendance at the investiture was Sir Paul McCartney who was was made a Companion of Honour for services to music, 20 years after he was knighted by the Queen.
The Beatles legend was joined by his glamorous wife Nancy Shevell, 58, as he received the honour.
Posing outside the palace, Sir Paul looked in high spirits, beaming broadly whilst dressed for the occasion in a tailored navy double-breasted suit, custom made by his fashion designer daughter Stella McCartney, 46.
Not A Second Time! Also in attendance at the investiture was Sir Paul McCartney who was was made a Companion of Honour for services to music, 20 years after he was knighted by the Queen
Suited and booted: The Beatles legend was joined by his glamorous wife Nancy Shevell, 58, as he received the honour