He rose to fame after the release of his debut album Timeless - which went on to become a landmark record of the Nineties - in 1995.

And Goldie's contribution to the British music industry was formally recognised on Wednesday as he was awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) by the Prince of Wales during an Investiture ceremony, at Buckingham Palace, London.

The Walsall-born DJ - whose real name is Clifford Price - beamed with pride as Prince Charles attached the ribbon to the lapel of his suit, admitting it was shocking but 'very beautiful'.

Congratulations: Musician Goldie beamed with pride as he was awarded an MBE by the Prince of Wales during an Investiture ceremony, at Buckingham Palace, London, on Wednesday

The 50-year-old said: 'It's a bit of a shocker but a very, very beautiful thing to happen. I think it also stands for what you can achieve - anything really.'

‘It was beautiful in there, just great. I’m very happy. It was a complete surprise to me [to get an MBE]. Why would they ever? It’s beautiful. I can see my old dear, Margaret [his mother], smiling – she passed last year. Who would ever have imagined I would be given this kind of silverware.

‘I think it also stands for what you can achieve - anything really.’

Goldie couldn't believe his luck as he put the experience in perspective, saying: 'I remember in 1977, when I was with 43 kids in a children’s home in the Midland, the Silver Jubilee taking place and thinking what’s this all about? Now look at me.'

The 50-year-old explained: 'It's a bit of a shocker but a very, very beautiful thing to happen. I think it also stands for what you can achieve - anything really'

From man to man: Prince Charles and Goldie - whose real name is Clifford Price - exchanged a firm handshake

A dream come true: The Walsall born DJ flashed his gold-capped teeth as the royal attached the ribbon to his suit jacket

Goldie called for more support for the arts as his services to the dance music industry and young people were celebrated.

The performer - who was raised in the care system - credited music for 'saving his life' as he campaigned for the government to continue to fund the arts world.

Goldie explained: 'Music and art well and truly saved my life really - the light switched on when I discovered art.

'Art and music is so important for young people - the arts need to be supported and I think there are so many Clifford Prices out there like me.

'It's really important to understand it's nice to be recognised but it's also nice to say, "that can work as leverage to make things better and change things".'

'Art and music is so important for young people': Goldie called for more support to the arts world after receiving the coveted accolade

Suiting up: Goldie ditched his typical casual style and looked suave in a navy two-piece suit which he teamed with white shirt and skinny turquoise tie

Goldie made his name with his record Timeless with the hit track Inner City Life regarded as a seminal dance song of the Nineties.

Inspired initially by a DJ named Kemistry, he is often credited with having introduced new techniques into drum and bass music, as well as popularising the genre.

Goldie has also appeared in several TV shows and films, including a small role in James Bond's The World Is Not Enough, as well as a recurring role in EastEnders as Angel Hudson.

In 2011, he appeared in a three-part reality series entitled Goldie's Band: By Royal Appointment which saw him mentoring a group of young people who performed at Buckingham Palace with Prince Harry in the audience.