Robert Plant CBE

Led Zeppelin legend Robert Plant was honoured with a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) medal by Prince Charles of England at Buckingham Palace in London on Friday. Former bandmate Jimmy Page was awarded an OBE in 2005.

This old-fashioned albeit interesting British tradition of awarding Honours stretches back to 1917. Each year important personalities of public life join the ranks of the "British Empire".

The Order includes five classes in civil and military divisions, in order of seniority:

Knight or Dame Grand Cross (GBE)
Knight or Dame Commander (KBE or DBE)
Commander (CBE)
Officer (OBE)
Member (MBE)

The 60-year-old singer recalled that on his first meeting with the Prince, the latter had said: "That is a remarkable voice. Do you gargle with port?"

Plant said that it was humbling to be alongside military heroes and community volunteers.