Queen Elizabeth II.—File Photo

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.”

Opinion

Editorial

Judiciary’s SOS
Updated 28 Mar, 2024

Judiciary’s SOS

The ball is now in CJP Isa’s court, and he will feel pressure to take action.
Data protection
28 Mar, 2024

Data protection

WHAT do we want? Data protection laws. When do we want them? Immediately. Without delay, if we are to prevent ...
Selling humans
28 Mar, 2024

Selling humans

HUMAN traders feed off economic distress; they peddle promises of a better life to the impoverished who, mired in...
New terror wave
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

New terror wave

The time has come for decisive government action against militancy.
Development costs
27 Mar, 2024

Development costs

A HEFTY escalation of 30pc in the cost of ongoing federal development schemes is one of the many decisions where the...
Aitchison controversy
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

Aitchison controversy

It is hoped that higher authorities realise that politics and nepotism have no place in schools.