The late Queen had a close association with the Academy spanning 50 years which saw her donate to and support initiatives, as well as attend many events. From that time, she was unquestionably the nation’s leading lady but as mysterious as a silent film star. Dame Helen continued: “Cinema at its best, does what Her Majesty did effortlessly – bring us together and unite us in a story…“Your Majesty, you are our nation’s leading star. The renaming of the organisation occurred during the official opening of the headquarters in 1976, which was conducted by the Queen. During her lifetime, the Queen was a patron of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts, the Royal Variety Charity and the Cinema and Television Benevolent Fund.

Source: Daily Nation February 19, 2023 19:44 UTC