Kate Bush revealed her fuller figure during a rare public appearance at Windsor Castle yesterday to pick up a CBE.

The singer, 54, is believed to have become self-conscious after gaining weight over the years and rarely makes public appearances.

She wore black loose-fitting trousers and a long dark tunic with gold detailing to receive her Commander of the British Empire honour from the Queen.

Kate first came to fame as a teen in the late 1970s and often wore outrageous stage outfits to perform hits such as Wuthering Heights and Babooshka.

The mum-of-one refused to speak to reporters or have any photographs taken of her after yesterday’s ceremony but spoke of how proud she was in a short statement.

‘I feel incredibly thrilled to receive this honour which I share with my family, friends and fellow musicians and everyone who has been such an important part of it all,’ said Kate.

‘Now I have got something really special to put on top of the Christmas tree.’

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Anna Duff