The actor Sir Kenneth Branagh presented her with the award in a star-studded event held at Windsor Castle, and the 86 year old seemed overjoyed with her new Bafta.
As The Queen was honoured for her “outstanding patronage of the film and television industries”, she was described as “the most memorable Bond girl yet” by Bafta chairman John Willis as he referred to her famous cameo in the London Olympics opening ceremony.
John Willis said: “I am delighted that this evening has given us the opportunity to give something back. I have the great honour to announce that we are to present Her Majesty with an honorary Bafta today, in recognition of her outstanding patronage of the film and television industries.”
As Sir Kenneth Branagh presented The Queen with her Bafta, he even suggested The Queen would be wanted in further movies as he joked: “So much so that several of my colleagues here tonight want you to know that should you wish to take it further into the world of British films that they have a number of scripts with them here this evening. I have to warn you, Your Majesty, not all of these films are fully financed.”
The Royal Family and BAFTA have enjoyed a long relationship, and the family have supported Bafta since 1959 when Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh was appointed its first president.
Ever Since then, The Earl Mountbatten of Burma (The Duke’s uncle) and Princess Anne, The Princess Royal have been Presidents of the Academy. Prince William, The Duke of Cambridge, became its fifth President in 2010 and currently still is the president. Prince William was unable to attend tonight due to commitments in Scotland.
There was over 300 guests who attended the gala and they represented all areas of the British Film industry from actors, directors, writers, producers to costume and set designers.
Photo Courtesy of BBC
