Kylie Minogue receives OBE

LONDON (Reuters) - Kylie Minogue, the former soap actress who become one of the world's most famous female recording artists, was honored for her services to music on Thursday.

A beaming Minogue, who recently overcame breast cancer, received the Order of the British Empire (OBE) from Prince Charles, who was standing in for the Queen Elizabeth at the ceremony at Buckingham Palace.

"It is an incredible honor for me to receive this award. It makes me feel both humble and proud to be recognized for doing a job that I love so much," she said.

Minogue became a household name in Britain in the 1980s after starring as Charlene in the Australian TV soap "Neighbours".

She turned to music after leaving the popular show, releasing her first single "Locomotion" in 1987 and has continued to enjoy huge chart success with songs such as "Can't Get You Out Of My Head" and "Spinning Around".

In 2005 she was diagnosed with breast cancer but returned to performing after recovering from surgery and chemotherapy.

Earlier this year, Minogue received one of France's top cultural awards when she was made a Chevalier dans l'ordre des Arts et Lettres (Knight of Arts and Letters) for "the cultural pleasure she has given French people".

Minogue has also written a children's book, launched a perfume, and designed her own lingerie range.

(Reporting by Michael Holden)