Dame Maggie Smith receiving her honour from the Queen. Photo: PA Wire

Acclaimed actress Dame Maggie Smith was honoured by the Queen for her career on stage and screen lasting more than 60 years.

Dame Maggie, 79, famed for her roles in Downton Abbey and the Harry Potter movies, was made a member of the Order of the Companions of Honour, during a Windsor Castle investiture ceremony, for services to drama.

The Order of the Companions of Honour consists of the sovereign and 65 ordinary members, and recognises service of national importance.

The Oscar-winning actress now joins an illustriouslist of recipients who include scientist professor Stephen Hawking, naturalist Sir David Attenborough and painter David Hockney.

Also honoured during the investiture ceremony was Conservative MP Sir Bill Cash, knighted for political service.

The Conservative MP for Stone, Staffordshire, is a long-standing Eurosceptic who was calling for a referendum on the UK’s membership of the EU long before the mainstream party leaders were willing to consider the idea.

RAF Chinook captain, Flight Lieutenant Charlie Lockyear, who picked up British troops despite his aircraft being damaged by insurgent fire, received the Distinguished Flying Cross for great courage in the air.