BBC star addresses King Charles's 'saucy' remark as he 'broke character'
BBC star addresses King Charles's 'saucy' remark as he 'broke character'
The West End legend received her damehood from King Charles during an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle last year, which was also attended by David Beckham
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Add us as preferred source Comments By Samantha Masters, Content Editor 15:14, Mon, Jun 22, 2026 Updated: 17:55, Mon, Jun 22, 2026 
Dame Elaine Paige has opened up about receiving her damehood from King Charles III. The West End legend and radio presenter was honoured for her services to music and charity during an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle last year.
Recalling the event, the 78-year-old said the monarch dropped his usual formal persona to laugh at one of her comments during their exchange.
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Asked what he was like to meet, she told The Metro: "He was up on a dais and I'm particularly short. He leant down beside my left ear and said, 'Keeping your hand in, are you?'."
After it was suggested the remark was "saucy", she continued: "I said, 'I'm working on a new album - I'll send you a signed copy, Your Majesty, when it's finished'."
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Recalling his response, Elaine said he "roared with laughter", adding: "I might actually send him a signed copy."
The singer went on to describe the day as "magical" and revealed she shared the room with David Beckham, who was knighted.
After learning she was among the recipients in the King's Birthday Honours list, the BBC Radio 2 star called the recognition the "ultimate privilege".
"Music and the charities I support are the mainstays of my life," she said in a statement at the time. "To receive this acknowledgment for doing what I love is the ultimate privilege.
"In the words of Rodgers and Hammerstein ‘There is Nothin’ Like a Dame’ and this newly-minted one is absolutely over the moon and truly grateful."
Elaine, who was awarded an OBE in 1995, was also presented with the 2026 Special Award by Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber at this year's Olivier Awards.
In a message from Queen Camilla, read by the composer, she said: "I was delighted to learn you were to receive this year’s special award of the Oliviers 2026.
"I can think of no more fitting recipient," she added. "Over the decades of your career, your talent, commitment and generosity of spirit have made you a truly defining figure in musical theatre.
"You have quite simply brought huge joy to untold numbers of people across the globe, and we are all in your debt. I do hope that you have a wonderful evening."
Elaine's admission came to light after King Charles paid a touching tribute to his late father, the Duke of Edinburgh, to mark Father's Day.
A message alongside the photo read: "Celebrating all Fathers, and thinking of those who wish they could be with their Dads, today."
Prince Philip died in 2021 at Windsor Castle at the age of 99.
Badenoch blasts 'moaning' female Labour MPs over Burnham jobs 'quota'
Kemi Badenoch has told Labour women to earn a job in Andy Burnham's Cabinet instead of demanding they are handed jobs because of their gender.
The Tory leader lashed out today amid reports that female MPs are demanding the de-facto new prime minister introduce a 50:50 gender split 'quota' in his government.
Amid reports that former foreign secretary David Miliband is being lined up to return to the role, possibly with his brother Ed as Chancellor, one female minister also complained that Burnham could not have 'more Milibands than women' in the top posts.
But in a scathing article in the Times today Mrs Badenoch told them to 'stop moaning' and get chosen on merit instead of retreating into 'more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country'.
'There are many, many reasons why you shouldn't have any Milibands in the cabinet,' she said.
'But complaining that the boys haven't given them the right jobs or that the boys are taking all the jobs, just shows that Labour's women still don't get it.'
The idea of quotas was also attacked by Baroness Jacqui Smith, Labour's Skills Minister.
Asked by Times Radio if Mr Burnham should reserve jobs for women, she said: 'No, I think what Andy Burnham should be doing is building the very best team around him to change this country.'
A letter written by the Women's Parliamentary Labour Party has called on Mr Burnham to ensure a 50:50 split between men and women in government jobs
Amid reports that former foreign secretary David Miliband (above, right, in 2010) is being lined up to return to the role, possibly with his brother Ed as Chancellor, one female minister complained that Burnham could not have 'more Milibands than women' in the top posts
But Mrs Badenoch told them to pipe down and get chosen on merit instead of retreating into 'more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country'
A letter written by the Women's Parliamentary Labour Party and seen by the BBC has called on Mr Burnham to ensure a 50:50 split between men and women in government jobs after he succeeds Sir Keir Starmer.
'We are asking you to demonstrate this change from day one and address the toxicity and misogyny within our own party and government,' it said.
Labour has never had a female leader, while the Conservatives have had three, and Mrs Badenoch urged the government to follow its meritocratic example.
'If you run a meritocracy, then you do not have to worry about jobs for the boys,' she wrote.
'Every woman who is a Conservative MP, every woman who has ever won the leadership, has had to fight to get where she is.
'By contrast, Labour women are demanding guarantees from Burnham. But the truth is he doesn't have to give any guarantees.
'If none of Labour's women are prepared to get their hands dirty and challenge him for the leadership, their demands are toothless.'
'In fact, it's quite revealing that the women's parliamentary Labour Party has written to Burnham asking him to commit himself to at least 50 per cent female ministers.
'This has nothing to do with meritocracy. It is yet more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country.'
