Sheila Hancock was honoured with a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) medal at Buckingham Palace in London on Thursday (24Mar11).
The 78 year old was the guest of honour at Queen Elizabeth II's royal residence, where she was honoured for her services to drama and the arts by Prince Charles, who praised her work as he presented her with the award.
The thrilled actress says, "He said, 'I'm glad to be able to give you something richly deserved at last'. He was so relaxing, all the staff here are so divine."
However, the British royal wasn't Hancock's only fan at the ceremony - a worker at the event rushed up to praise her for her talent.
She adds, "It was lovely - a fan of mine, who was working backstage, came up to me earlier to say congratulations...
"That was very special."