Bafta: Queen 'Most Memorable Bond Girl Yet'

The Queen has been hailed the "most memorable Bond girl yet" as she was honoured by stars of stage, screen and television at a glittering reception.

Actor Sir Kenneth Branagh presented the monarch with an honorary Bafta in recognition of a lifetime's support of British film and television.

Bafta chairman John Willis paid tribute to the Queen - and drew laughter from the audience as he referred to her famous cameo role alongside James Bond last year.

Her appearing to parachute jump into the stadium with 007 was widely considered a highlight of the London Olympics opening ceremony.

Mr Willis praised the Queen's "tireless support" for the industry, adding: "More recently Her Majesty the Queen starred at the London Olympics as the most memorable Bond girl yet.

"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.

"We should be proud of our industry. The people here this evening represent a vast variety of skills and ground breaking innovation; they have entertained and informed a generation and inspired generations to come."

Sir Kenneth kept up the theme of the Queen's unexpected appearance at London 2012's opening night.

To laughter from those gathered at the Windsor Castle reception, 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 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."