Potter author postpones OBE date

JK Rowling has recently picked up an honorary degree

Harry Potter author JK Rowling has postponed collecting her OBE from the Queen because her daughter is ill.

Ms Rowling, a single parent, was due to collect the honour for services to children's literature at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday.

But the multi-millionaire author decided not to travel to London from her home in Edinburgh so she could look after her seven-year-old daughter Jessica.

She is now expected to attend a Palace investiture in February.

"It's nothing serious but Ms Rowling does not want to leave her daughter while she is unwell," said the author's spokeswoman.

"She has been in touch with Buckingham Palace and postponed until the New Year."

A Palace spokesman said: "We of course understand why JK Rowling has had to postpone her investiture.

"These things happen occasionally and we will arrange another investiture date when it is convenient for her."