East London Life

Ilyena Vailievna Mironov, better known as Dame Helen Mirren, added an Oscar to her already impressive trophy case for her turn in The Queen.

Ilford born Dame Helen, who plays Queen Elizabeth II in the British independent film about the Royal Family’s reaction to the 1997 death of Princess Diana, said

“For 50 years and more, Elizabeth Windsor has maintained her dignity, her sense of duty and her hairstyle.

“She’s had her feet planted firmly on the ground, her hat on her head, her handbag on her arm and she has weathered many, many storms.

“If it wasn’t for her, I most certainly wouldn’t be here - ladies and gentlemen, I give you the Queen.”

Born to an English mother and Russian father, Dame Helen attended St Bernard’s High School, a convent in Southend-on Sea, before going to a teaching college in London.

The family name was changed to Mirren in the 1950’s, and at age 18 Helen Mirren joined the National Youth Theatre, and by age 20 she had become a star at top London theatre the Old Vic.

A Buckingham Palace spokeswoman said she was “sure that the Queen will be pleased” by Dame Helen’s victory.