Helen Mirren Honored As 'Dame' by Queen
Fri Dec 5,11:01 AM ET

LONDON - Helen Mirren (news) visited Buckingham Palace to be honored as a dame Friday and described the royal residence as "just the greatest theater I have ever been in."

The queen awards a series of titles twice a year on Prime Minister Tony Blair (news - web sites)'s recommendation to individuals in recognition of exceptional achievements or services to Britain.

Friday's ceremony was performed by Prince Charles, eldest son of Queen Elizabeth II (news - web sites).

"It was just lovely. I just felt my mouth go ever so slightly dry. I just thought 'don't be so silly,'" the 58-year-old actress said after the ceremony. "I am incredibly proud. I am amazed. I never thought I would be asked."

Born Ilynea Lydia Mironoff, the daughter of an exiled Russian aristocrat, Mirren received Oscar nominations for the "Madness Of King George" in 1994 and for "Gosford Park" in 2001. She also starred in this year's hit film "The Calendar Girls."

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