He’s known for his diminutive stature – as well, of course, as his legendary comic status – but yesterday events conspired to make Ronnie Corbett appear particularly pint-sized as he received his CBE from the Queen.

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Her Majesty’s high heels, along with the fact that she was standing on a raised platform, made her tower over Corbett as she placed his CBE – awarded for services to entertainment and charity – around his neck in a ceremony at Buckingham Palace yesterday.

“You make people laugh. How long have you been in the business for?” the Queen asked the 81-year-old comedian as she bestowed the honour.

Afterwards, Corbett praised the monarch – now in her 85th year – for remaining “full of energy and sparkle”.

The former Two Ronnies star said he had made a full recovery following his collapse on New Year's Day while celebrating the news that he was to be honoured.

He said the culprit had been low blood pressure caused by the drugs he had been taking following a knee operation.

“I feel fit as a fiddle now," he said, "especially with my new knee."

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Corbett was off to the hospital immediately after the ceremony, though, to visit his wife, Anne, who has been suffering from pneumonia.

Authors

Paul JonesExecutive Editor, RadioTimes.com

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An image depicting a festive scene with iconic Christmas elements such as a beautifully decorated Christmas tree with twinkling lights, snow gently falling, and perhaps a cozy fireplace in the background. The image should capture the essence of popular Christmas songs, with musical notes and lyrics subtly included in the design, representing a playlist of classic Christmas tunes.

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Immediate’s iconic brands reach 21m people every month – that’s more than a third of the UK’s adults – through its world-class magazines, innovative digital products and exciting live eventsImmediate’s iconic brands reach 21m people every month – that’s more than a third of the UK’s adults – through its world-class magazines, innovative digital products and exciting live eventsImmediate’s iconic brands reach 21m people every month – that’s more than a third of the UK’s adults – through its world-class magazines, innovative digital products and exciting live events

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