Legendary singer Shirley Bassey admits to breaking royal protocol in ‘nerve-racking’ encounter

Despite decades in the spotlight, it appears that renowned singing sensation Shirley Bassey still experiences bouts of nervousness.

This was clear as she was made a Companion of Honour by King Charles at Windsor Castle on Tuesday, July 9, an experience she admitted was more intimidating than singing for the Royal Family.

“I think it’s more nerve-racking to receive the award from him than to sing in front of him. I mean, it’s new, different, whereas singing I’ve been doing since I was a child,” she told reporters.

“I forgot to curtsy, but that’s why I grabbed his hands because I forgot to curtsy. Instinctive.”

 

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While acknowledging that she “shouldn’t” have broken protocol, the Diamonds Are Forever hitmaker shared details of her brief exchange with the King.

“I asked how he was, and he said he was fine and said, ‘You look wonderful’,” she said.

“He wished me all the best and then I grabbed him – I know I shouldn’t have done that. But I grabbed both his hands and said, ‘I wish you well’.”

While being made a Companion of Honour was a truly special moment for Bassey, she admits the most glamorous moment of her life was when she sang for the late Queen Elizabeth for the first time at the Royal Variety Performance.

“I’ve had 70 years of glamorous moments,” she said.

“I think the first time I sang for the Queen at the Royal Variety – my very first show. And then I did quite a few after and was very blase about it.”

Bassey has sold over 140 million records during an impressive career that has spanned over 70 years, making her one of the best-selling artists of all time.

In addition to being the first woman in history to secure a Top 40 album across seven consecutive decades in the United Kingdom, Bassey has also performed the theme songs to three James Bond films, making her the only artist to perform more than one. 

-with BANG.