Elizabeth Hurley celebrates 50th birthday: 'I love my life'

LONDON, June 11 (UPI) -- Elizabeth Hurley has big hopes for the next decade.

The English actress turned 50 years old Wednesday, and discussed her plans for her celebration and the future with Hello! magazine ahead of the milestone.

"I chose not to have a big party but several big lunches and dinners so I really get to see everyone I adore," she revealed.

"I'm expecting more of the same and them some," she said of the coming years. "I love my life, I love change and I love new experiences. Saying yes is so liberating; it's my favorite word."

Hurley kicked off festivities with her friends and family at her home Sunday, and enjoyed a Ladies Lunch with 11 pals Wednesday. The actress and friend Patrick Cox attended the "Shoes: Pleasure and Pain" exhibit at the Victoria and Albert Museum later that night.

"Great evening. Thank you best friends," she captioned a photo of herself at the museum on Instagram. "Thank you Patrick Cox @akaharrycox for being such a brilliantly loyal friend to me."

Hurley is known for Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery and Bedazzled, and portrayed Diana Payne on season 5 of The CW teen drama Gossip Girl. She currently stars as Queen Helena on E! series The Royals, which will return for a second season in November.