'Dame Edna' portrayer made CBE

LONDON, Oct. 12 (UPI) -- Australian entertainer Barry Humphries has been made a Commander of the British Empire by the Queen at Buckingham Palace, the BBC said Friday.

Humphries, 73, is best-known for portraying sassy diva Dame Edna on stage and television.

He did not, however, accept the honor as his female alter-ego, noting, "Dame Edna is bolder and less politically correct than me."

Instead, Humphries wore a top hat and tails for the event, which also saw British author Barbara Taylor Bradford made an Officer of the British Empire.

Taylor Bradford, 74, said the honor was the "crowning glory" of her career, adding that it was "a wonderful ceremony," the BBC said.