Helena Bonham Carter feels "very, very special" to have met Britain's Queen Elizabeth II today.

The celebrated actress was honoured with a Commander of the British Empire award for her services to Drama at Buckingham Palace Wednesday.

Helena is in awe of the accolade.

"[Today was] very, very special," Helena told British newspaper the Daily Mail. "I am thrilled, though not sure that I deserve it."

Helena was accompanied to the ceremony by her longtime partner director Tim Burton and their two children son Billy Ray, eight, and four-year-old daughter Nell.

Helena was happy to share her prize with her family. The actress believes that her father Raymond, who removed a tumour on his brain in 1979 via surgery and was left severely disabled until his death in 2004, would be incredibly proud.

"I always thought my father deserved a medal for facing 25 years of chronic disability with quiet daily heroism so I am delighted to accept such a wonderful honour in his memory," she explained.

Although Helena now has a place as a distinguished contributor to British history, she doesn't think her daughter Nell will recognise her stature.

"I am wondering does it mean I get to command, because at the moment it's my four-year-old daughter who does the commanding in our household," Helena joked. "Must inform her of the change in situation."

Helena portrays a young Queen Elizabeth, mother of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, in the Oscar-winning movie documenting Britain's King George VI struggle to overcome a stammer in 2010 film The King's Speech.

Her co-star in the feature Colin Firth received a CBE for his work in drama last month.