Cross-dressing artist Grayson Perry has been made a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) by Prince Charles, accepting his award in a blue dress and matching jacket with a wide brimmed black-hat. The tranny potter said the award was recognition for “30 years of hard graft”. The Turner Prize-winning artist regularly appears dressed as his female alter-ego Claire and didn’t disappoint his fans at Buckingham Palace. Mr. Perry once described Claire as “a cross between Katie Boyle and Camilla Parker-Bowles”. But when reminded of this after the ceremony he laughed and said: “This is my Italian mother of the bride outfit. When I got the call my first thought was what am I going to wear, it’s a serious thing I’m not going to compromise my identity as Britain’s pre-eminent transvestite. I Googled to see what people wore and went for the sexier end. I always do like the older woman who makes an effort.” A Buckingham Palace spokeswoman said that Mr Perry’s “attire was entirely appropriate.” “I’m grateful I’m not one of these people who has sky-rocketed to fame. Some people say I’ve become a member of the establishment but I’ve been that for years. I’m an RA (Royal Academician). The idea that rebellion is at the margins of society – that’s false, it’s far more interesting to be mischievous from the centre.”