Corbett: 'I'll treasure my honour' (From Swindon Advertiser)

Corbett: 'I'll treasure my honour'

3:18pm Thursday 16th February 2012 in National Entertainment News © Press Association 2011

Ronnie Corbett has spoken of his delight after receiving the CBE from the Queen at Buckingham Palace.

The veteran comic admired his medal - which matched his blue and pink striped tie - saying: "It's very pretty. It's a very lovely honour. I shall treasure it."

After exchanging a few words with the Queen in the ballroom, the 81-year-old said: "She told me 'You make people laugh'. I think she's remarkable for her age."

The 5ft 1in star said he was in good health after collapsing at a dinner last month to celebrate being recognised in the New Year's Honours List for his services to charity and the entertainment industry.

He said he had accidentally taken too much of his medication for high blood pressure, and added: "I collapsed because of low blood pressure. It was one of those rare accidents.

"You take so many tablets these days."

The pint-sized Two Ronnies star said he planned to make up for having to cut short the earlier meal by having a special lunch with friends, but revealed that his wife Anne is currently in hospital with pneumonia.

Ronnie brought his two daughters with him to share the occasion and added: "I'm just sorry Anne couldn't be with me. But it's a lovely day."

The star, who has been involved with many charities, including the RNLI and the Variety Club, said he liked to think his former co-star, the late Ronnie Barker, was looking down on him.