Helena Bonham Carter is convinced she was given a CBE because of her role in 'The Queen's Speech'.

The 45-year-old actress was given a Commander of the British Empire honour last year, soon after she portrayed Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, in the Oscar-winning movie and doesn't think it was a coincidence she was chosen so soon after the release of the film.

She said: "I'm sure that's why I probably got it. The queen is not allowed to say if she's seen it or not but I guess she must have.''

Although she is proud of the honour, Helena admits it felt "strange" to be recognised for her contribution to the acting profession because she enjoys her work so much.

She told the Sydney Morning Herald newspaper: ''The acting profession is over-rewarded - we get a ridiculous amount of awards - but to get a medal for something you enjoy and are lucky to be doing, it's strange to feel you've earned it.

"[For me] it was definitely in the memory of my dad, because he was very brave in his own way.''