LONDON, Dec. 29 (UPI) -- Australian pop singer Kylie Minogue has been tapped by Britain's Queen Elizabeth to receive an Order of the British Empire.
Minogue, 39, whose battle with breast cancer has inspired many, received word of the honor Friday night at her home in Australia, the Daily Mail reported.
"It is with absolute gratitude and joy that I say farewell to 2007 and look forward to what the New Year will bring," said Minogue.
The queen named actor Ian McKellen, 68, a Companion of Honor, while actress Julie Walters, 56, was named a Commander of the British Order along with actor Leslie Phillips, 83.
The Order of the British Empire also was awarded to actor Richard Griffiths, 60, recently seen in the Harry Potter films; James Bond producer Barbara Broccoli and Douglas Slocombe, 94, whose credits include 1949's Kind Hearts and Coronets.
