Devon writer Hillary Mantel becomes a Dame

Today the Devon-based author, Hilary Mantel, will be made a dame by the Prince of Wales.

The writer, whose novel Wolf Hall is being dramatised on television at the moment, is being honoured At Buckingham Palace for her services to literature.

The writer's books, which depict the life of Henry VIII's adviser Thomas Cromwell, have become critical and commercial hits. Her accolades include winning the infamous Man Booker Price twice.

However the 62 year old has not shied away from controversy, particularly concerning the Royals.

In February 2013 she said the Duchess of Cambridge was a "shop-window mannequin" with no personality, whose only purpose was to breed.

During her lecture at the British museum she said Kate appeared to have been "gloss-varnished" with a perfect plastic smile, in contrast to Diana, whom she described as awkward and emotionally incontinent.