Kylie Minogue 'blown away' by Britain's royal honour

Jul 3, 2008, 13:45 GMT

A file picture dated 22 November 2007 shows Australian singer Kylie Minogue presenting her new album \'X\' at a hotel in Berlin, Germany. EPA/STEPHANIE PILICK

London - Australian pop princess Kylie Minogue said Thursday she was 'totally blown away' by receiving a royal award honouring a 'lifetime of music making' at a glittering ceremony at Buckingham Palace in London.

'It is an incredible honour for me to receive this award. It makes me feel both humble and proud to be recognized for doing a job that I love so much,' the singer said afterwards.

Minogue, 40, smiled broadly as she received an Order of the British Empire (OBE) award from Prince Charles, with whom she had a relaxed chat during the ceremony in the palace's glittering ballroom.

'It was surprisingly emotional. I expected to be a little nervous, obviously very excited,' said the singer who was accompanied by her sister Dannii and her parents, former ballet dancer Carol and accountant Ron.

Looking round at the lavish decorations, she said: 'I'm imagining our family when we were kids saying to me, 'one day you're going to go to the palace.' That would not have been believable.'

The singer, who battled breast cancer three years ago, looked radiant in a shimmering cream-coloured dress decorated with large stars and gold high-heeled sandals as she received the OBE in recognition of a pop career that has spanned more than two decades and seen millions of albums and singles sold.

'I was totally blown away to receive this,' she said as she opened the presentation box to marvel at the award.

The Australian superstar first conquered British hearts while playing Charlene in the hit soap Neighbours in the 1980s, but has since cemented her fame with songs including I Should Be So Lucky, Je Ne Sais Pas Pourquoi and Can't Get You Out Of My Head.

In May, she received the Order of Arts and Letters from the French government for her 'contribution to the enrichment of French culture.'

Minogue, who has inspired millions with her courageous fight against cancer, Thursday talked about her beginnings as a child actress.

'I think we had a natural tendency to perform,' she said about herself and her sister, Dannii, who had been introduced at an early age by their mother to the world of art, music and dance.