Actor Damian Lewis, author Ian Rankin and former Northern Ireland first minister Arlene Foster were among more than 1,100 people recognised by Britain's Queen Elizabeth in her annual birthday honours.

The list, which is issued to mark the 96-year-old monarch's official birthday, honours recipients for their "outstanding"&nbsp;contributions; most awards recognise public service or community work.

This year's honours come ahead of four days of national celebration, beginning on Thursday, to mark Elizabeth's 70 years on the throne.

"This historic Platinum Jubilee is not only a celebration of the monarch but of the qualities she possesses,"&nbsp;Prime Minister Boris Johnson said. "The honours she confers this week reflect many of those qualities that have been invaluable from all different walks of life and to communities across the UK."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/queen-elizabeth-iis-70-years-on-the-throne-key-moments-of-her-life-450476#1952-princess-to-queen-450467">Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee: Key moments from her life</a>

Lewis, who won a Golden Globe for his role in the TV drama 'Homeland', was made a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) for services both to drama and to charity for initiating a campaign with his late wife Helen McCrory to raise 1 million pounds to provide food for health service workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Foster, who served as the first minister in the British province between 2016 and 2021, was among politicians to be honoured, and becomes a dame, while crime-writer Ian Rankin, creator of the acclaimed Inspector Rebus series, receives a knighthood.

Previously knighted author Salman Rushdie and renowned illustrator Quentin Blake, best known for his work in Roald Dahl`s books for children, were made Companions of Honour, of which there are only 65 at any one time.

From the world of sport, former England soccer player Rio Ferdinand was made an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire), while Wales soccer captain Gareth Bale, Liverpool stalwart James Milner and England cricketer Moeen Ali were all made MBEs (Members of the Order of the British Empire).

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Britain's gold-medal winning Olympic women's curling team also received OBEs.

Elisabeth Murdoch, the daughter of media baron Rupert Murdoch and founder of two successful independent TV production companies, was given a CBE for her work with Arts Council England.

Among the 1,134 people to receive honours was Angela Redgrave, founder and principal of the Bristol School of Dancing, who was awarded a British Empire Medal, and at 104 was the oldest recipient on the list.

Actor Damian Lewis, author Ian Rankin and former Northern Ireland first minister Arlene Foster were among more than 1,100 people recognised by Britain's Queen Elizabeth in her annual birthday honours.

Actor Damian Lewis, author Ian Rankin and former Northern Ireland first minister Arlene Foster were among more than 1,100 people recognised by Britain's Queen Elizabeth in her annual birthday honours. The list, which is issued to mark the 96-year-old monarch's official birthday, honours recipients for their "outstanding" contributions; most awards recognise public service or community work. This year's honours come ahead of four days of national celebration, beginning on Thursday, to mark Elizabeth's 70 years on the throne. "This historic Platinum Jubilee is not only a celebration of the monarch but of the qualities she possesses," Prime Minister Boris Johnson said. "The honours she confers this week reflect many of those qualities that have been invaluable from all different walks of life and to communities across the UK." Also Read: Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee: Key moments from her life Lewis, who won a Golden Globe for his role in the TV drama 'Homeland', was made a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) for services both to drama and to charity for initiating a campaign with his late wife Helen McCrory to raise 1 million pounds to provide food for health service workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Foster, who served as the first minister in the British province between 2016 and 2021, was among politicians to be honoured, and becomes a dame, while crime-writer Ian Rankin, creator of the acclaimed Inspector Rebus series, receives a knighthood. Previously knighted author Salman Rushdie and renowned illustrator Quentin Blake, best known for his work in Roald Dahl`s books for children, were made Companions of Honour, of which there are only 65 at any one time. From the world of sport, former England soccer player Rio Ferdinand was made an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire), while Wales soccer captain Gareth Bale, Liverpool stalwart James Milner and England cricketer Moeen Ali were all made MBEs (Members of the Order of the British Empire). Also Read: BTS, K-Pop supergroup, meets Biden, drop by during White House press briefing Britain's gold-medal winning Olympic women's curling team also received OBEs. Elisabeth Murdoch, the daughter of media baron Rupert Murdoch and founder of two successful independent TV production companies, was given a CBE for her work with Arts Council England. Among the 1,134 people to receive honours was Angela Redgrave, founder and principal of the Bristol School of Dancing, who was awarded a British Empire Medal, and at 104 was the oldest recipient on the list.

Actor Damian Lewis and former Northern Ireland leader honoured by Queen Elizabeth

Actor Damian Lewis penned a touching tribute to&nbsp;his late wife and fellow actor Helen McCrory, who died last week, battling cancer. She was 52. 
 
<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjv04On74nwAhVOzTgGHZPvDgkQxfQBMAN6BAgbEAg" href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/harry-potter-star-helen-mccrory-dies-aged-52-378113" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/harry-potter-star-helen-mccrory-dies-aged-52-378113&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjv04On74nwAhVOzTgGHZPvDgkQxfQBMAN6BAgbEAg">`Harry Potter` star Helen McCrory dies aged 52</a> 
 
The 'Billions'&nbsp;star, honoured McCrory, who was widely known for her roles as Narcissa Malfoy in the popular `Harry Potter` films and Polly Gray in `Peaky Blinders`, in an emotional tribute written for The Sunday Times, in which he reflected on his "brilliant" wife`s life. 
 
"Many people have spoken about her career and many more will, so that`s where I'll leave it because it strikes me that two things are happening this weekend: an outpouring of grief and shock, and a celebration of Helen McCrory the actress from fans everywhere, and of Helen the person. And that`s who I want to talk about," Lewis said of the actor. 
 
"Helen was an even more brilliant person than she was an actress," the actor continued.&nbsp;"She was a people person, sure. `I`m much more interested in who I`m with than where I am,` she would say, and innately wanted to share. But she also lived by the principle of kindness and generosity. That you put these things out into the world to make it better, to make people feel better, " he added. 
 
Lewis went on to speak on how McCrory always "spread happiness," writing, "even when dying in her last few days, when talking to our wonderful carers, she repeatedly said, `thank you so much in her half-delirious state." 
 
"I`ve never known anyone able to enjoy life as much. Her ability to be in the present and enjoy the moment was inspirational. Nor was she interested in navel-gazing. No real interest in self-reflection; she believed in looking out, not in. Which is why she was able to turn her light so brightly on others," Lewis added. 
 
Lewis&nbsp;married McCrory in 2007, after they met on the production of `Five Gold Rings` at London`s Almeida Theatre in 2003, and have two children&nbsp;14-year-old daughter Manon, and 13-year-old son Gulliver, 
 
About their two kids, Lewis wrote, "They have in them the fearlessness, wit, curiosity, talent and beauty of their mother. She has exhorted us to be courageous and not afraid,". 
 
<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjv04On74nwAhVOzTgGHZPvDgkQxfQBMAJ6BAgbEAM" href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/anupam-kher-pays-tribute-to-late-harry-potter-actor-helen-mccrory-378364" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/anupam-kher-pays-tribute-to-late-harry-potter-actor-helen-mccrory-378364&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjv04On74nwAhVOzTgGHZPvDgkQxfQBMAJ6BAgbEAM">Anupam Kher pays tribute to late `Harry Potter` actor Helen McCrory</a> 
 
He also wrote in the tribute of McCrory that she has been utterly heroic in her illness. "Funny, of course -- generous, brave, uncomplaining, constantly reminding us all of how lucky we`ve been, how blessed we are. Her generosity has extended to encouraging us three to live. Live fully, take opportunities, have adventures." 
 
"I`m staggered by her," he added of McCrory. "She`s been a meteor in our life." 
 
Lewis announced McCrory`s demise on Friday, April 16.&nbsp;&nbsp;"I`m heartbroken to announce that after a heroic battle with cancer, the beautiful and mighty woman that is Helen McCrory has died peacefully at home, surrounded by a wave of love from friends and family," he said on Twitter.McCrory has been honoured on social media since the news of her death by costars and friends, including Daniel Radcliffe, Helen Mirren, Jason Issacs, J.K. Rowling, Tom Felton and Cillian Murphy.

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<a href="https://t.co/gSx8ib9PY9">pic.twitter.com/gSx8ib9PY9</a>
— Damian Lewis (@lewis_damian) <a href="https://twitter.com/lewis_damian/status/1383081853914128388?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 16, 2021</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

 
In addition to her film and TV roles, McCrory began her career on stage and appeared in more than 25 productions during the 1990s through the mid-2010s. Her stage credits included `Macbeth`, `Pride and Prejudice`, `As You Like It`, `Medea`, and many more. The `Peaky Blinders` has also appeared in the James Bond film `Skyfall`, Martin Scorsese`s `Hugo` and played Cherie Booth, wife of U.K. Prime Minister Tony Blair, in `The Queen` and `The Special Relationship`.&nbsp;

Actor Damian Lewis penned a touching tribute to his late wife and fellow actor Helen McCrory, who died last week, battling cancer. She was 52. `Harry Potter` star Helen McCrory dies aged 52 The 'Billions' star, honoured McCrory, who was widely known for her roles as Narcissa Malfoy in the popular `Harry Potter` films and Polly Gray in `Peaky Blinders`, in an emotional tribute written for The Sunday Times, in which he reflected on his "brilliant" wife`s life.

Actor Damian Lewis penned a touching tribute to his late wife and fellow actor Helen McCrory, who died last week, battling cancer. She was 52. `Harry Potter` star Helen McCrory dies aged 52 The 'Billions' star, honoured McCrory, who was widely known for her roles as Narcissa Malfoy in the popular `Harry Potter` films and Polly Gray in `Peaky Blinders`, in an emotional tribute written for The Sunday Times, in which he reflected on his "brilliant" wife`s life. "Many people have spoken about her career and many more will, so that`s where I'll leave it because it strikes me that two things are happening this weekend: an outpouring of grief and shock, and a celebration of Helen McCrory the actress from fans everywhere, and of Helen the person. And that`s who I want to talk about," Lewis said of the actor. "Helen was an even more brilliant person than she was an actress," the actor continued. "She was a people person, sure. `I`m much more interested in who I`m with than where I am,` she would say, and innately wanted to share. But she also lived by the principle of kindness and generosity. That you put these things out into the world to make it better, to make people feel better, " he added. Lewis went on to speak on how McCrory always "spread happiness," writing, "even when dying in her last few days, when talking to our wonderful carers, she repeatedly said, `thank you so much in her half-delirious state." "I`ve never known anyone able to enjoy life as much. Her ability to be in the present and enjoy the moment was inspirational. Nor was she interested in navel-gazing. No real interest in self-reflection; she believed in looking out, not in. Which is why she was able to turn her light so brightly on others," Lewis added. Lewis married McCrory in 2007, after they met on the production of `Five Gold Rings` at London`s Almeida Theatre in 2003, and have two children 14-year-old daughter Manon, and 13-year-old son Gulliver, About their two kids, Lewis wrote, "They have in them the fearlessness, wit, curiosity, talent and beauty of their mother. She has exhorted us to be courageous and not afraid,". Anupam Kher pays tribute to late `Harry Potter` actor Helen McCrory He also wrote in the tribute of McCrory that she has been utterly heroic in her illness. "Funny, of course -- generous, brave, uncomplaining, constantly reminding us all of how lucky we`ve been, how blessed we are. Her generosity has extended to encouraging us three to live. Live fully, take opportunities, have adventures." "I`m staggered by her," he added of McCrory. "She`s been a meteor in our life." Lewis announced McCrory`s demise on Friday, April 16. "I`m heartbroken to announce that after a heroic battle with cancer, the beautiful and mighty woman that is Helen McCrory has died peacefully at home, surrounded by a wave of love from friends and family," he said on Twitter.McCrory has been honoured on social media since the news of her death by costars and friends, including Daniel Radcliffe, Helen Mirren, Jason Issacs, J.K. Rowling, Tom Felton and Cillian Murphy. pic.twitter.com/gSx8ib9PY9 — Damian Lewis (@lewis_damian) April 16, 2021 × In addition to her film and TV roles, McCrory began her career on stage and appeared in more than 25 productions during the 1990s through the mid-2010s. Her stage credits included `Macbeth`, `Pride and Prejudice`, `As You Like It`, `Medea`, and many more. The `Peaky Blinders` has also appeared in the James Bond film `Skyfall`, Martin Scorsese`s `Hugo` and played Cherie Booth, wife of U.K. Prime Minister Tony Blair, in `The Queen` and `The Special Relationship`.

Damian Lewis pays heartfelt tribute to wife Helen McCrory

Veteran actor Anupam Kher paid tribute to late 'Harry Potter' star <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/harry-potter-star-helen-mccrory-dies-aged-52-378113">Helen McCrory.</a>&nbsp; 
 
Kher penned a heartfelt note for the star stating that her demise is a 'deep sense of loss' along with the two photos of the star.&nbsp; 
 
In a tweet, the star wrote, “All deaths are saddening &amp; tragic. But there are times when you feel a deep sense of loss with someone leaving this world even when you don`t know the person.””#HelenMcRory was one such actress. Great in #HarryPotter films &amp; electrifying in #PeakyBlinders. RIP. @lewis_damian,” added Kher.

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All deaths are saddening &amp; tragic. But there are times when you feel a deep sense of loss with someone leaving this world even when you don’t know the person. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HelenMcRory?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HelenMcRory</a> was one such actress. Great in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HarryPotter?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HarryPotter</a> films &amp; electrifying in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PeakyBlinders?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PeakyBlinders</a>. RIP. 🙏🙏 <a href="https://twitter.com/lewis_damian?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@lewis_damian</a> <a href="https://t.co/id90fWrmY6">pic.twitter.com/id90fWrmY6</a>
— Anupam Kher (@AnupamPKher) <a href="https://twitter.com/AnupamPKher/status/1383611309552390148?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Earlier, Bollywood stars Vicky Kaushal and Anushka Sharma paid tribute to the late star.&nbsp; 
 
British film, television actress Helen died aged 52 from cancer, her husband and fellow actor Damian Lewis said, McCrory "died peacefully at home surrounded by a wave of love from friends and family", Lewis wrote on Twitter, calling his late wife "beautiful and mighty". 
"We love her and know how lucky we are to have had her in our lives. She blazed so brightly," the actor added, explaining she had died "after a heroic battle with cancer". 
 
She was best known as a star of the hit BBC crime drama 'Peaky Blinders' and for the role of Narcissa Malfoy in the "Harry Potter" films, as the mother of the boy wizard's school-aged rival.

Veteran actor Anupam Kher paid tribute to late 'Harry Potter' star Helen McCrory. Kher penned a heartfelt note for the star stating that her demise is a 'deep sense of loss' along with the two photos of the star.

Veteran actor Anupam Kher paid tribute to late 'Harry Potter' star Helen McCrory. Kher penned a heartfelt note for the star stating that her demise is a 'deep sense of loss' along with the two photos of the star. In a tweet, the star wrote, “All deaths are saddening & tragic. But there are times when you feel a deep sense of loss with someone leaving this world even when you don`t know the person.””#HelenMcRory was one such actress. Great in #HarryPotter films & electrifying in #PeakyBlinders. RIP. @lewis_damian,” added Kher. All deaths are saddening & tragic. But there are times when you feel a deep sense of loss with someone leaving this world even when you don’t know the person. #HelenMcRory was one such actress. Great in #HarryPotter films & electrifying in #PeakyBlinders. RIP. 🙏🙏 @lewis_damian pic.twitter.com/id90fWrmY6 — Anupam Kher (@AnupamPKher) April 18, 2021 × Earlier, Bollywood stars Vicky Kaushal and Anushka Sharma paid tribute to the late star. British film, television actress Helen died aged 52 from cancer, her husband and fellow actor Damian Lewis said, McCrory "died peacefully at home surrounded by a wave of love from friends and family", Lewis wrote on Twitter, calling his late wife "beautiful and mighty". "We love her and know how lucky we are to have had her in our lives. She blazed so brightly," the actor added, explaining she had died "after a heroic battle with cancer". She was best known as a star of the hit BBC crime drama 'Peaky Blinders' and for the role of Narcissa Malfoy in the "Harry Potter" films, as the mother of the boy wizard's school-aged rival.

Anupam Kher pays tribute to late 'Harry Potter' actor Helen McCrory

British film, television and stage actress Helen McCrory has died aged 52 from cancer, her husband and fellow actor Damian Lewis said on Thursday. McCrory "died peacefully at home surrounded by a wave of love from friends and family", Lewis wrote on Twitter, calling his late wife "beautiful and mighty".

"We love her and know how lucky we are to have had her in our lives. She blazed so brightly," the actor added, explaining she had died "after a heroic battle with cancer".

McCrory was best known as a star of the hit BBC crime drama 'Peaky Blinders'&nbsp;and for the role of Narcissa Malfoy in the "Harry Potter" films, as the mother of the boy wizard's school-aged rival.

She played Cherie Blair, the wife of former British prime minister Tony Blair, twice in both the "The Queen" (2006) and "The Special Relationship" (2010), and played fictional British interior minister Clair Dowar in the James Bond film "Skyfall" (2012).

Born in Paddington in west London in 1968 to a Welsh mother and Scottish-born father, McCrory was the eldest of three children. She attended school in southeast England and spent a year living in Italy before studying acting at London's Drama Centre.

A lengthy acting career followed, which saw her play a multitude of roles on the small and big screen, as well as on stage. McCrory and Lewis, who starred in the US TV series Homeland, married in 2007. The pair met performing in the Shakespeare play "Much Ado About Nothing" as comedic protagonists Beatrice and Benedick.

In 2011, she told the Independent newspaper she had eschewed celebrity but was honoured to have played such interesting roles. An actor's job, she said, was to "reassure the audience that life, as muddled and as wonderful as it is, is worth living".

British film, television and stage actress Helen McCrory has died aged 52 from cancer, her husband and fellow actor Damian Lewis said on Thursday. McCrory "died peacefully at home surrounded by a wave of love from friends and family", Lewis wrote on Twitter, calling his late wife "beautiful and mighty".

British film, television and stage actress Helen McCrory has died aged 52 from cancer, her husband and fellow actor Damian Lewis said on Thursday. McCrory "died peacefully at home surrounded by a wave of love from friends and family", Lewis wrote on Twitter, calling his late wife "beautiful and mighty". "We love her and know how lucky we are to have had her in our lives. She blazed so brightly," the actor added, explaining she had died "after a heroic battle with cancer". McCrory was best known as a star of the hit BBC crime drama 'Peaky Blinders' and for the role of Narcissa Malfoy in the "Harry Potter" films, as the mother of the boy wizard's school-aged rival. She played Cherie Blair, the wife of former British prime minister Tony Blair, twice in both the "The Queen" (2006) and "The Special Relationship" (2010), and played fictional British interior minister Clair Dowar in the James Bond film "Skyfall" (2012). Born in Paddington in west London in 1968 to a Welsh mother and Scottish-born father, McCrory was the eldest of three children. She attended school in southeast England and spent a year living in Italy before studying acting at London's Drama Centre. A lengthy acting career followed, which saw her play a multitude of roles on the small and big screen, as well as on stage. McCrory and Lewis, who starred in the US TV series Homeland, married in 2007. The pair met performing in the Shakespeare play "Much Ado About Nothing" as comedic protagonists Beatrice and Benedick. In 2011, she told the Independent newspaper she had eschewed celebrity but was honoured to have played such interesting roles. An actor's job, she said, was to "reassure the audience that life, as muddled and as wonderful as it is, is worth living".

'Harry Potter' star Helen McCrory dies aged 52

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Actor Damian Lewis and former Northern Ireland leader honoured by Queen Elizabeth

Damian Lewis pays heartfelt tribute to wife Helen McCrory

Anupam Kher pays tribute to late 'Harry Potter' actor Helen McCrory

'Harry Potter' star Helen McCrory dies aged 52