Actor Kenneth Branagh receives knighthood

Hollywood star Kenneth Branagh has received his knighthood from the Queen.

The 51-year-old was invited to Buckingham Palace in London on Friday, after being knighted in the Queen’s birthday honours in June.  

“What an amazing start. I wish the day started like this every day,” he said afterwards.

“The warmth in the room is really lovely. It’s a very, very touching ceremony,” he added.

Born in Belfast, the Oscar-nominated actor, director and screenwriter was made a bachelor for services to drama and the community of Northern Ireland.

Sir Kenneth was featured in the London Summer Olympics opening ceremony, an experience he said cherishes.

 “I remember in the few minutes before the opening ceremony began, I felt like I was in the middle of all of us, we were all together, I felt like we were all sort of holding hands, standing side by side. It was an amazing atmosphere. We know that it kicked off this extraordinary summer, extraordinary year,” he said.

“My life’s been lived under her reign exclusively, so she’s the Queen and she’s done so many things for us this year that lead the way in saying, you know, that U.K. is a pretty remarkable    place.”

Branagh performed for the Queen more than 30 years ago     when he was still a student.

“I met Her Majesty the Queen when I was 19 years old, a student at the drama school. She saw me performing a speech from Hamlet during which my knees were knocking, I was so nervous,” he said.

“And today she took care of my knees by providing a stool, so I’m very grateful for her, for her interest in my joints, that’s very kind.”

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