Scottish funnyman Billy Connolly found himself on the receiving end of Prince Charles' wit when he collected a CBE at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday.
The Glaswegian comic, who is well-known for his flowing locks and laid-back appearance, donned a tuxedo and tails to receive the award. But the Prince Of Wales seemed somewhat surprised at his formal attire, and quipped "I've never seen you looking so smart," when he presented him with the medal.
"Usually when he sees me I'm wearing Scottish corduroy breeks," admitted Billy afterwards. "I normally look like an unemployed window cleaner."
The 61-year-old, who first rose to fame as a stand-up comic, has been winning acclaim as an actor in recent years. His performance as a royal servant in the 1997 film Mrs Brown won the plaudits of critics the world over. And more recently he has starred opposite Tom Cruise in The Last Samurai.
Something of the old Billy, who was renowned for his profane humour, emerged when he stepped into the Palace courtyard, however. A group of photographers, who were jostling for pictures of the legendary comic, were met with a tirade of light-hearted abuse - and the kind of language not normally heard within the precincts of a royal residence.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
