London: Actors Kate Winslet and Kenneth Branagh were honoured by Queen Elizabeth II today for their contributions towards the field of arts.
The duo were knighted in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list along with singer Gary Barlow, “Call the Midwife’s” star Jenny Agutter and “New Tricks” star Amanda Redman, reported BBC online.
Branagh, 51, who has been recognised for his services to drama and the community of Northern Ireland, joins the ranks of the great acting knights, while Winslet has been named a Commander of the order of the British Empire (CBE).
The 36-year-old “Titanic” star said she was “both surprised and honoured” to stand alongside those “who have achieved great things for our country”. “I feel deeply proud to receive this, as a part of an ever expanding community of British actors and filmmakers who are fortunate enough to be able to contribute to an international industry. This makes me very proud to be a Brit!,” she said.
Branagh, who is best known for directing and starring in several film adaptations of William Shakespeare’s plays including “Henry V”, “Othello” and “Hamlet”, said he feels special and humbled to be honoured in the jubilee year.
“I feel very humble about it, I feel elated about it. It would be an amazing thing at any time. In the jubilee year, I’m sure anybody else that’s had the good fortune to be recognised would feel as I do. Very, very special,” he said.
Branagh last directed blockbuster superhero film “Thor”. Creative director of Alexander McQueen, Sarah Burton, was also honoured after she designed the royal wedding dress for the Duchess of Cambridge last year. She is appointed OBE for services to the fashion industry. (PTI)
