Darcey Bussell was made a principal dancer at the age of 20

The former Royal Ballet principal dancer was awarded the honour for her services to dance.

Last year the 37-year-old announced her retirement as company principal of The Royal Ballet, but is continuing to make appearances as a guest artist.

Newsreader Alastair Stewart and Aardman Animation founders Peter Lord and David Sproxton were also honoured.

Last season

Bussell, who was joined at Buckingham Palace with her husband Angus Forbes and two young daughters, said the Queen told her she was happy to be giving her the award.

"She said she was very pleased to be giving me the award. I was very shocked," she said.

"She also said she couldn't believe it was my last season with the Royal Ballet.

"I said I felt very comfortable with it because it's my 20th year with the Ballet."

Bussell studied at The Royal Ballet School from the age of 13 and joined the company six years later.

Peter Lord (l) and David Sproxton said they were 'chuffed'

She became the youngest principal of The Royal Ballet at 20.

Bussell's classical repertory includes Odette/Odile in Swan Lake, Princess Aurora in The Sleeping Beauty and the Sugar Plum Fairy in The Nutcracker.

During her career, Bussell has also danced with the New York City Ballet, the Kirov Ballet, Australian Ballet and Paris Opera Ballet.

But she said the highlight of her career was being with the Royal Ballet for two decades.

"It becomes like your second home," she said. "I feel very honoured to be recognised for ballet."

Alistair Stewart, 54, received an OBE for services to broadcasting and to charity.

The journalist said afterwards: "The Queen asked how long I had been in broadcasting and I said 30 years. She giggled and said 'Really?'"

Childhood friends Peter Lord and David Sproxton, who founded Aardman Animations - the company behind Wallace and Gromit - in 1972, both collected CBEs.

Sproxton said: "It's fantastic. we're very chuffed and very proud."

Lord added: "We couldn't have dreamt it."