Princess Anne honours Rolf

Nov 3, 2006, 13:00 GMT

Britain's Princess Anne presented Australian artist Rolf Harris with a CBE yesterday (03.11.06).

The princess' mother Queen Elizabeth usually presents the royal honours but she was forced to pullout of the engagement because of severe back pain.

Artist and entertainer Rolf - who has been a television presenter for 40 years - received the title after he painted an official portrait of the queen last year for her 80th birthday.

Rolf, 76, told Britain's BBC news: "Anne was really lovely. She said, 'this is a pleasure I didn't expect to be having', which was really nice."

The 'Animal Hospital' presenter was previously awarded an MBE in 1968 and an OBE in 1977.

The queen pulled out of the investiture yesterday due to "continuing discomfort" from her back injury and has been advised by doctors to cut back on her royal duties.

She strained a muscle while holidaying at Balmoral in Scotland two weeks ago, but her heavy workload has meant the injury has been unable to heal.

Britain's Daily Express newspaper is now reporting that the queen may not be well enough to attend the State Opening of Parliament.

There are fear's her bad back may render her unable to perform the tradition of reading the Queen's Speech, which sets out the government's programme for the parliamentary session.

Ministers were reportedly considering whether Prince Charles could stand in for his mother and deliver the speech himself, so as not to delay the opening of parliament.

Leader of the Commons Jack Straw said: "It is purely a matter for Buckingham Palace."

(C) BANG Media International