19 February 2023 , 21:09
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Dame Helen Mirren has confessed she cried whilst rehearsing her BAFTAs speech which paid tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II.
The Hollywood star spoke movingly about the late monarch, who passed away in September last year, at the BAFTAs on Sunday evening, with the Queen's grandson Prince William looking emotional over the nod to his late grandmother. The 77-year-old actress has a long running connection with the Queen and took on the role of the monarch in biographical drama film The Queen.
Helen spoke to the BAFTAs co-host Alison Hammond about doing the speech and what it meant to her to pay tribute to the Queen.
Alison spoke to Helen (Getty Images for BAFTA)Helen said she cried whilst rehearsing her speech but was glad she managed to get her tears out before she took to the stage to deliver the tribute, with the Prince of Wales present.
During the awards show, held at the Royal Festival Hall in London, Helen took to the stage, sharing: "BAFTAs relationship with Her Majesty was long-standing and BAFTA would not be what it is today without her loyal support.
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"She supported over 50 cultural organisations and in 2013 it was her time to be honoured with a BAFTA in recognition of the Queens' outstanding patronage to film and television industries."
She added: "Cinema as its best does what Her Majesty did effortlessly bring us together and unite us in a story."
Helen gave a poignant speech (Getty Images for BAFTA)In a voice over of a series of clips, the monarch can be heard saying: "Through the creative genius of artist, whether they be writers, actors film makers, we can see both the range of our cultures and elements of our shared humanity."
It ended with a statement for Helen, which left Prince William looking visibly emotional.
She said: "Your Majesty you were our nation's leading star on behalf of BAFTA thank you for all you have done for our film and television industry," as Prince William, who was sat in the audience with Kate Middleton, looked emotional.
Prince William looked emotional at the tribute (BBC)The BAFTA Film Awards revealed Helen would be giving a speech earlier this week.
In a press release advertising the tribute, BAFTA explained: "A tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is to be led by BAFTA Fellow Dame Helen Mirren. The Queen occupies a unique place in BAFTA’s history, a close association that spanned 50 years.
"Through her various patronages, The Queen was renowned for her support of the UK’s creative industries."