LONDON: British actor Kenneth Branagh on Thursday presented Queen Elizabeth II with an honorary Bafta in recognition of her support of British film and television.

The Harry Potter star handed over the award at a reception held in Windsor Castle, the Queen's west London home.

Chairman of Bafta John Willis paid tribute to the monarch in front of a star-studded audience.

“The Queen has been patron of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts, the Entertainment Artistes' Benevolent Fund and the Cinema and Television Benevolent Fund — for which money is raised by Royal Film Performances — since 1952, so for more than 60 years, and visited countless industry organisations, shining a light on the work that we all do and lending her tireless support to our efforts,” he said.

He drew laughs when alluding to the Queen's apparent parachute jump during the London Olympics opening ceremony, calling her “the most memorable Bond girl yet.”Branagh also brought up the stunt during his presentation speech.

He told the Queen: “Your sensational appearance at the opening ceremony of last year's Olympics was especially memorable. “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 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.”