Joan Collins named a dame by Prince Charles

LONDON, March 27 (UPI) -- Actress Joan Collins became a dame Wednesday as Prince Charles honored her with the title of commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) at Buckingham Palace.

The 81-year-old star was accompanied by her husband Percy Gibson, daughter Tara Newley and son Alexander Newley for the ceremony for which she wore a cream ensemble with black accessories.

Collins was awarded with the honor for her charitable work with organizations like NSPCC and the Shooting Star Chase children's hospice.

"It's something I never, ever would have expected. I'm terribly, terribly honored, I really am and I hope I can live up to what being a dame means," Collins told ITV News.

"I will not ask anybody [to call me 'dame']," she added. "if they choose to call me Dame Joan, I will be delighted. Most people will still call me Joan."

Collin's title, the female equivalent of a knight, was also given to actress Angelina Jolie in 2014. Jolie cannot be addressed as "Dame" because she doesn't have English citizenship.

Fittingly, Collins currently stars on the E! series The Royals.