"Downtown Abbey" cast Dame Maggie Smith will receive from Queen Elizabeth II the "Companion of Honour" award for her 60 years of being on screen.
According to a report by the Daily Mail, the award-winning actress will receive the prestigious British award for her exemplary performance and dedication to work on stage, film and TV career for the past six decades since she started with her stage debut in 1952.
The 79-year-old "Downtown Abbey" cast Dame Maggie Smith had starred in over 50 movies. The actress, who is receiving rave reviews for her performance in the hit television series, bagged the Best Actress award from the Oscars twice. She has also received numerous awards from various award-giving bodies.
For the younger generation, "Downtown Abbey" cast Dame Maggie Smith is more recognized as Professor Minerva McGonagall of the "Harry Potter" series.
In the global phenomenon ITV drama series "Downtown Abbey," she plays Dowager Countess of Grantham,
Once Dame Maggie Smith has been conferred with the recognition for Queen Elizabeth II, she can now use the letters "CH after her name in referrence to her award.
Fellow actors who had also received the "Companion of Honour" award were her close friend and veteran actress Dame Judi Dench as well as actor Sir Ian McKellen, the Express UK said.
The Olympics star Lord Coe had previously received the recognition also.
The Daily Mail said the award are given to only 47 notable British at any one time, who have shown dedication and outstanding achievement in the field of arts, science and politics.
The "Companion of Honour" award was founded by the Queen Elizabeth II's grandfather, King George, in June 1917. The announcement of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's Birthday Honours List is to be published today.
Queen Elizabeth II had also given the veteran actress a recognition as Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1970 and made a Dame by the monarch in 1990 for her service in the performing arts.
