Helen Mirren, one of the world’s most acclaimed actors, was added Friday to a very select group of people recognized by King Charles III for their “major contribution” over the years to British life, alongside several Jewish recipients.

The 80-year-old was named a “Companion of Honor,” one of the highest awards the king can bestow on citizens in the United Kingdom and across the Commonwealth, limited to only 65 people at any time.

Mirren’s elevation to the group, which also includes British environmentalist David Attenborough, Canadian author Margaret Atwood, and former British prime minister Gordon Brown, was one of the highlights of Charles’ latest award of honors.

The honors, which aim to reward individuals for their contributions to British life, are awarded twice a year to celebrities and public figures as well as ordinary people, once at New Year’s, and then in June, to mark the king’s birthday.

Nearly 1,200 people received honors in the king’s 2026 birthday list.

Award recognizes Mirren’s services to drama

Mirren is no stranger to awards and has for decades been a star on stage and screen, as well as a powerful advocate for female actors.

She has tackled numerous classical parts in theater — both in the National Youth Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company from the 1960s — before winning roles in movies such as “The Long Good Friday,” “Excalibur,” and “The Madness of King George.”

She also wowed British television audiences with her portrayal of Detective Chief Inspector Jane Tennison over seven seasons of “Prime Suspect.”

At the Oscars in 2007, she won best actress for her performance in “The Queen,” a film that follows the late Queen Elizabeth II in the aftermath of the 1997 death of Diana, Princess of........

© The Times of Israel