I am so used to appearing in public but this was somehow different

Miriam Margolyes

Sade, real name Helen Folsesade Adu, took a leaf out of actress Oscar-winner Halle Berry's book, saying her award was "a great gesture to me and all black women in England".

Margolyes was less calm about the whole event, saying she had found herself in a fluster when presented to the Prince of Wales.

She said: "I got confused and curtseyed twice. I am so used to appearing in public but this was somehow different."

Margolyes curtseyed twice by accident

"I did it in the wrong place and had to do it again. It was a bit embarrassing and I wasn't sure what to say but the Prince was so sweet and full of warmth. He said he really liked what I do."

Margolyes will play Professor Sprout in the film adaptation of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.

"He was very interested in Harry Potter," she said. "I hope he'll come and see it."

Diamond Life

Sade has sold more than 30 million records over three decades.

Her biggest hit is the enduring Your Love is King, from her debut album, Diamond Life.

Born in Nigeria, the singer moved to the UK at the age of four, settling in Colchester, Essex.

Margolyes is best known to the public through her work in Rowan Atkinson's hit historical comedy series Blackadder, in which she played several parts.

Margolyes played a series of roles in Blackadder

Her biggest film role to date was in The Age of Innocence, director Martin Scorcese's adaptation of Edith Wharton's novel.

She received a best supporting actress Bafta in 1994 for her work in the film.

Born in Oxford to Jewish-Belarussian parents, Margolyes studied at Cambridge University, where she developed her passion for acting with the Footlights company.

Sade and Margolyes were among about 110 people receiving honours in the same session at the palace, including actress Jane Birkin.