Benedict Cumberbatch has become the newest member of the Order of the British Empire, receiving the distinguished CBE honor from Queen Elizabeth II on Tuesday.

Cumberbatch, whose selection as a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) was announced earlier this year, attended a ceremony at Buckingham Palace to receive the honor from the queen in between filming the title role in Marvel's "Sherlock." The actor, who was recognized for both his acting as well as his charitable work, told the BBC that when he received the letter notifying him of his selection, he "thought there had been a mistake."

"It's fantastic, it's quite nerve-wracking, there is nothing really that prepares you for it," Cumberbatch said of the honor. "It's a unique occasion and I feel very privileged to be here and flattered to be recognised in this way."

The actor added that meeting the queen was a "wonderful" experience, and told the BBC that to "be honoured by her was extraordinary."

Cumberbatch was joined at the ceremony by his wife, Sophie Hunter. The pair welcomed a baby boy back in June.

[via: BBC]

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