Palace fan adds to joy for actress with frock experience

It was not only Charles who felt her honour was “richly deserved” but an employee working behind the scenes was equally effusive.

The 78-year-old, who made her name in the BBC sitcom The Rag Trade, spoke to the man shortly before receiving her award for services to drama.

“It was lovely – a fan of mine, who was working backstage, came up to me earlier to say congratulations,” she said. “He said he comes to every show – that was very special.”

Despite her glittering screen and stage career, Hancock admitted she had some fears ahead of the formal ballroom ceremony and was keen to avoid repeating the outfit mishap when she accepted an OBE in 1974.

At the time, her choice of jacket – made from pigskin – caused some embarrassment as palace staff struggled to pin the award on her clothing.

This time she opted for a light silver dress and confessed: “I chose this frock because I knew it would be all right. My wardrobe was chosen entirely for that reason.”

Two of her eight grandchildren – Lola and Mollie-May – watched proudly as she collected the award. “I am going to have a party for the eight of them later,” she added. “They are thrilled to bits.”

Yorkshire philanthropist Marjorie Ziff was also at the palace to receive her MBE for services to the community over 60 years. Dr Ziff and her late businessman husband, Arnold, who died in 2004, have donated large sums of money to countless good causes including Leeds Art Gallery and Roundhay Park.

And Francis Baron, 61, the former chief executive of the Rugby Football Union said receiving his CBE was “a great honour”.