BEVERLEY KNIGHT - KNIGHT SNUBS THE QUEEN

R+B star BEVERLEY KNIGHT has been forced to snub a meeting with British monarch QUEEN ELIZABETH II because it reportedly clashes with her forthcoming tour. The MADE IT BACK singer is to be made a Member of the British Empire (MBE) for her services to music in the Queen's Birthday Honours List, and was set to receive her award at Buckingham Palace next month (DEC06). But the 34-year-old's UK touring commitments mean she's unable to attend the ceremony, and will now receive her award in early 2007 instead. A friend says, "She'll get it in February. It was unavoidable because of the tour."