A CARDIGAN singer was invited to perform at Buckingham Palace to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the investiture of the Prince of Wales.

Esyllt Thomas, from Eglwyswrw, performed before members of the royal family and 350 other dignitaries at the event honouring Prince Charles's contribution to the national life of Wales over the decades.

It was an exciting occasion for the 19-year-old who is currently in her first year at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama.

“Buckingham Palace contacted the college and it was all very confidential at the start,” said Esyllt.

“The piece we had to perform was specially commissioned for the event by Welsh composer Paul Mealor. It was called Morwyn Llyn y Fan and we had a month to learn it.”

The piece was inspired by the legend of the Lady of Llyn y Fan, a mountain lake near Prince Charles's Welsh home, Llwynywermod in Carmarthenshire.

Esyllt, who wants to go into the operatic field in the future, sang alongside Rhys Jones and was accompanied by royal harpist Ann Denholm.

“It was a bit nerve-wracking as the royal family came in and I got to meet them all, and also the Prime Minister.”

And Esyllt must certainly have made a big impression as the Queen, Prince Charles and Kate Middleton have all asked for a copy of the song, which she will be recording this week.

“It was such a proud moment and an honour to perform and even now I still cannot believe it,” added Esyllt.