After two decades delighting dance audiences in theatres all over the world, Darcey Bussell has received an unforgettable honour in a rather difference venue. The prima ballerina, who was accompanied by her husband Angus Forbes, was beaming from ear to ear when she emerged from Buckingham Palace after receiving a CBE from the Queen.
And it would appear that light-footedness runs in the family, as her daughters Phoebe and Zoe, who also went along to the ceremony, showed off their pirouetting skills in the courtyard outside. Their famous mum, who announced her retirement as a principal dancer last year, meanwhile told reporters the monarch had been on charming form.
"She said she was very pleased to be giving me the award - I was very shocked," revealed the 37-year-old. "She also said she couldn't believe it was my last season with the Royal Ballet. I said I felt very comfortable with it because it's my 20th year with them."
Over the course of her career Darcey has also performed with the New York City Ballet, the Kirov Ballet, the Australian Ballet and the Paris Opera Ballet. She will always be remembered for her work with the British company, though. The popular performer enrolled at the Royal Ballet School at the tender age of 13 and went on to become its youngest ever principal when she was just 20.
Fans needn't worry about her turning her back on the stage completely, however, as she is planning to continue making appearances as a guest artist.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
