Honours for Branagh, Winslet

DHAKA: Actor and director Kenneth Branagh has been knighted in a Queen Elizabeth’s Birthday Honours list which also sees ex-Olympic minister Tessa Jowell made a Dame.

‘Take That’ singer Gary Barlow - the brains behind the Diamond Jubilee concert - is made an OBE and there is a CBE for Oscar winner Kate Winslet.

Rugby player Shane Williams and golfer Luke Donald become MBEs, reports BBC.

Sarah Burton, the designer of the Duchess of Cambridge’s wedding dress, has been made an OBE.

Dame Tessa was a leading member of the 2012 bid team in the previous Labour government.

Games architect Zaha Hadid, who recently created the Olympic Aquatic Centre, has also been made a Dame.

A number of those involved in bringing the London Games to fruition as members of the Olympic Delivery Authority are also recognised.

In total 1,201 people have been recommended to the Queen for honours - 72% for work in their communities.

BDST: 1444 HRS, JUN 16, 2012

Edited by Robab Rosan, Cultural Affairs Editor