Actor Sir Kenneth Branagh jokes with the Queen while presenting award Queen Elizabeth II received an honorary Bafta yesterday recognising her lifetime support for British film and television – and for being the most “memorable Bond girl yet.” The award was presented by Hollywood actor Sir Kenneth Branagh during a celebrity-studded gala held in Windsor Castle filled with more than 300 famous stage, screen and television stars.
Among them was Star Wars director George Lucas, who flew over from America especially for the celebration.
Chairman of Bafta, John Willis, paid tribute to the Monarch for her philanthropic work with entertainment bodies during her reign.
He later drew laughter from the crowd when praising the Queen’s famous supporting role alongside James Bond actor, Daniel Craig at the London 2012 Olympic opening ceremony, where she seemingly jumped out of a plane and parachuted to the stadium.
He said: “We should be proud of our industry.”
John Willis added: \"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.\"
Sir Kenneth followed suit by praising the Queen for her Olympics appearance, before joking: \"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.\"