Harris first moved to the UK in the early 1950s

Harris, 76, who has been a fixture on British TV for more than 40 years, called the honour "really thrilling".

The artist and entertainer painted an official portrait of the Queen last year for her 80th birthday.

But Her Majesty was unable to take part in the investiture service on Thursday at Buckingham Palace, due to continuing problems with her back.

EastEnders actor Rudolph Walker, who found fame playing the lead role in the groundbreaking British TV series Love Thy Neighbour in 1973, was presented with an OBE for services to drama.

EastEnders star Rudolph Walker first began acting in Trinidad

Walker, 67, plays Patrick Trueman in the BBC soap opera.

Harris's CBE is an addition to his previous honours - he was appointed an MBE in 1968 and an OBE in 1977.

"Every day I think to myself, what a charmed existence I've had," said the former Animal Hospital presenter.

"Anne was really lovely. She said, 'this is a pleasure I didn't expect to be having', which was really nice."

Harris has presented numerous programmes in the UK including The Rolf Harris Show, Rolf's Cartoon Club and Rolf on Art.

He also topped the charts with Two Little Boys in 1969 and had further hits with Tie Me Kangaroo Down, Sport and Sun Arise.