Dame Elaine Paige has disclosed that King Charles III 'roared with laughter' during her investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle last year, after she made a lighthearted remark about sending him a signed copy of her new album. The 78-year-old West End legend and BBC Radio 2 presenter was awarded her damehood for services to music and charity.
Monarch Drops Formal Persona
Recalling the encounter, Paige told The Metro that the king leaned down to her ear while she stood before the dais and asked, 'Keeping your hand in, are you?' She described the comment as 'saucy' and replied, 'I'm working on a new album - I'll send you a signed copy, Your Majesty, when it's finished.' According to Paige, Charles then 'roared with laughter,' breaking his usual formal demeanor. She added, 'I might actually send him a signed copy.'
A 'Magical' Day at Windsor Castle
Paige described the investiture as 'magical' and noted that she shared the room with David Beckham, who was knighted in the same ceremony. The singer said the recognition was the 'ultimate privilege,' stating in a statement at the time: 'Music and the charities I support are the mainstays of my life. To receive this acknowledgment for doing what I love is the ultimate privilege.' She quoted the Rodgers and Hammerstein song 'There Is Nothin' Like a Dame,' adding, 'this newly-minted one is absolutely over the moon and truly grateful.'
Further Honors and Tribute
Paige, who previously received an OBE in 1995, was also presented with the 2026 Special Award at this year's Olivier Awards by Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber. A message from Queen Camilla, read by the composer, praised Paige as 'a truly defining figure in musical theatre' who 'brought huge joy to untold numbers of people across the globe.'
The revelation came shortly after King Charles paid a touching tribute to his late father, Prince Philip, on Father's Day, posting a message alongside a photo that 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.
