Kenneth Branagh's "heart is fit to burst" after being knighted in the Queen's Birthday Honours list.

The 51-year-old actor, who is originally from Belfast, Northern Ireland, has been recognised formerly by Queen Elizabeth II for his contributions to the nation.

Specifically Kenneth is acknowledged for his "services to drama and to the community of Northern Ireland."

"I feel humble, elated, and incredibly lucky," he gushed to British newspaper The Mirror.

"When I was a kid I dreamed of pulling on a shirt for the Northern Ireland football team."

"I could only imagine how proud you might feel. Today it feels like they just gave me the shirt, and my heart's fit to burst."

Actress Kate Winslet was honoured with a Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE) in this Queen's Jubilee year.

Alexander McQueen creative director Sarah Burton, who designed the Duchess of Cambridge Catherine Middleton's Royal wedding dress, was also formally acknowledged for her contribution to the fashion industry.