Last updated at 12:51 PM on 30th November 2011
He’s been a regular in the tabloids in recent years thanks to his romances with significantly younger girlfriends.
But today, Bryan Ferry chose his four sons to be at his side as he accepts his CBE at Buckingham Palace.
Instead of latest love Amanda Sheppard – who is 36 years his junior – his sons Otis, Isaac, Tara and Merlin watched proudly as he met the Queen.
Ready to meet the Queen: Dapper Bryan Ferry is joined by his four sons (L-R) Merlin, Isaac, Otis and Tara at Buckingham Palace
Looking dapper in a morning suit, the 66-year-old posed alongside his four boys – whose mother is his ex-wife Lucy Helmore – as he arrived the her Majesty’s London residence.
Speaking following his investiture ceremony, he said: ‘Getting something like this is actually very humbling and I was very pleased to be recognised for, I guess, a long career and doing something I love doing.
‘To get an official award like this is incredibly nice and quite a surprise – a very good surprise.
Honoured: Ferry talks to Queen Elizabeth as he is presented with his CBE medal
‘I always knew I was going to be an artist – as soon as I left school and went to university and spent four years studying painting, I thought that’s what I want to do.
‘I got to a point where I thought I’d put a band together and make a record and if it doesn’t work I’ll go back to painting, but the band worked incredibly well.’
Ferry was unveiled as a recipient of a Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list in June.
It recognises the veteran singer’s nearly 40 year career in the music industry.
Long career: The CBE recognises Ferry’s career, which has spanned five decades
Ferry is currently touring with his new album Olympia and enjoyed a Roxy Music reunion earlier this year.
Although the spotlight was on Ferry today, his sons are no strangers to the media.
Of course, eldest son, gamekeeper Otis, 29, is well-known due to his several arrests for pro-hunting protests and was convicted of drink-driving in 2005.
Younger brother Isaac, 27, has also been in the limelight after being picked to model for Burberry.
Matching: The four Ferry sons looked like they were matching blue suits
In May this year, Merlin, 20, was handed a 12-month binding over order after he was arrested for carrying a Gurkha combat knife.
Meanwhile, remaining son Tara, 21, is following in the footsteps of his father by becoming a drummer.
Earlier this year, Ferry was forced to cancel several concerts after suffering a heart scare.
In an interview in July, he admitted he has been suffering from an irregular heart rhythm – a potentially dangerous condition known as arrhythmia.
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Bryan Ferry joined by his four sons as he accepts his CBE at Buckingham Palace