Adele capped off a memorable year by being awarded an MBE by the Prince of Wales.

The performer, who lives in the city, has become a worldwide phenomenon with her debut album 19 and the follow-up 21 selling millions of copies both at home and abroad.

Her chart-topping releases made the 25-year-old singer the natural choice to sing the theme to the James Bond movie Skyfall - the song that landed her an Oscar earlier this year.

Adele's achievements were recognised with an MBE presented by Charles during a Buckingham Palace investiture ceremony.

The performer, who wore a dark turquoise patterned dress, did not stop to speak to the waiting press inside the royal residence.

In the past, the Tottenham-born singer has told how her second album 21 was inspired by a "rubbish relationship", but she has gone on to find love with partner Simon Konecki, the father of her son Angelo.

Earlier this year she unveiled a tattoo of the letter A behind her ear, thought to be in honour of her child, born in October last year.

She has largely kept out of the limelight since becoming a mother, with appearances at awards events seemingly her chief reason for heading out after-hours these days.