Goldie said it was a bit of a "shocker" to be awarded an MBE on Wednesday. The musician, whose real name is Clifford Price, was presented with the accolade by Prince Charles in an investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday.
The 50-year-old was honoured in recognition of his services to the music industry and young people. Speaking to press after the ceremony he said: "It's a bit of a shocker but a very, very beautiful thing to happen. I think it also stands for what you can achieve – anything really."
© Photo: PAGoldie was awarded with an MBE at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday
Goldie also took the opportunity to champion the importance of music and art for young people, and said it "well and truly saved my life".
He added: "Art and music is so important for young people – the arts need to be supported and I think there are so many Clifford Prices out there like me."
© Photo: Getty ImagesGoldie said it was a "very beautiful thing" to be honoured by Prince Charles
Discussing his plans for the future, the performer continued: "This is where the work begins really, because it's a case of what's next, what can we do, and not sit on one's laurels.
"It's really important to understand it's nice to be recognised but it's also nice to say 'That can work as leverage to make things better and change things."
Goldie rose to fame in the nineties and is often credited with popularising the drum and bass genre with his album Timeless and hit track Inner City Life. The MBE is not his first brush with royalty; in 2010 he teamed up with Prince Harry to stage a gig at Buckingham Palace, the culmination of his TV talent search Goldie's Band – By Royal Appointment.
