CBE honour for actress Routledge

Routledge is currently starring on stage in London's West End

Actress Patricia Routledge, star of TV sitcom Keeping Up Appearances, has been made a CBE by the Queen at Buckingham Palace on Thursday.

Routledge epitomised British snobbery as Hyacinth Bucket - pronounced "Bouquet" - in the hit 1990s show.

She already has an OBE, plus a distinguished stage career that has earned her a Tony award and an Olivier.

"I'm surprised and delighted - that's all," the 75-year-old star said after the investiture ceremony.

Routledge, who was awarded the honour for services to drama, recently said: "I just want to do good work with good people in good places.

Routledge with Clive Swift, her co-star in Keeping Up Appearances

"And as for retirement, I can hardly spell the word."

She is currently appearing in The Solid Gold Cadillac at London's Garrick Theatre.

Her acting career began in the 1950s, and she went on to receive both acclaim and awards in the West End and Broadway.

Other notable shows on the small screen include Victoria Regina as Queen Victoria, Alan Bennett's Talking Heads and detective comedy drama Hetty Wainthropp Investigates.