By Cole Moreton | Published - 18 May 2026 Elaine Paige has faced the spotlight countless times, but she was still hit by nerves on her recent trip to Windsor Castle to receive her damehood from King Charles III. "I was really nervous. This well of emotion came over me just before I had to walk forward," says the 78-year-old legend of the stage, who was recognised for her services to musical theatre and charity last November. "As I looked the King in the eye, I couldn’t speak.