Twiggy receives Damehood from Prince Charles at palace
Now, 53 years later, Twiggy has been honoured for a lifetime of service to fashion, the arts and charity. The fashion model, actress and grandmother of three, spoke of her "amazing" experience after the Prince of Wales presented her with her Dame Commander insignia at Buckingham Palace yesterday. "About time you got this," the heir to the throne told her.
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Dame Twiggy, who was brought up in Neasden, northwest London, said she would have giggled at the thought of such an honour when she was plucked from obscurity at 16 to become a global modelling sensation.
She said of Charles: "I've met him before, he's really nice.
"He said, 'Congratulations, about time you got this, we're all thrilled for you' ."
Holding her Dame Commander insignia, the 69-year-old, married name Lesley Lawson, told everyone: "Officially it's Dame Lesley but call me Dame Twiggy. Dame Twiggy sounds best."
Accompanied by husband Leigh, stepson Jason and daughter Carly, she was dressed in a chic three-piece suit by designer Stella McCartney.
Also at the ceremony, Downton Abbey star Jim Carter received an OBE, while celebrity voice coach David Grant was awarded an MBE.