'Sherlock' actor Benedict Cumberbatch has received his most notable award to date: a royal commendation and honor from the Queen of England herself.
Last Tuesday morning, Cumberbatch was made CBE which stands for Commander of the Most Excellent Order, a recognition given by the British Empire for his exceptional work as an actor as well as his tireless charitable efforts.
The official Twitter account of the British Monarchy posted a photo of Queen Elizabeth II bestowing the accolade to the actor with the caption, "From Baker Street to #BuckinghamPalace, Benedict Cumberbatch receives his CBE from The Queen today"
Cumberbatch was definitely thrilled of receiving the award. On his interview with BBC, he said, "It's fantastic, it's quite nerve-wracking, there is nothing really that prepares you for it. It's a unique occasion and I feel very privileged to be here and flattered to be recognised in this way."
The actor had just finished his 3-month run as Hamlet at the Barbican theatre. It was reported that he used the stage to promote his passionate activism on behalf of the Syrian victims and refugees, by urging his audience to donate cash to them. According to Metro, he was able to raise an estimated £150,000 for the Save the Children charity.
Cumberbatch tells his audience at the end of a show, "We're living through a humanitarian crisis. Over 60 million people are currently fleeing their homes ... because of the unimaginable horrors of war."
The actor is determined to use his position as a public figure to promote awareness and seek help for those who are in need. He said after the investiture ceremony, "I'm interested in the numbers of people who are drowning off the coast of the island of Lesbos. I'm interested in trying to help people who need funding, whether it is a charitable body or directly to people suffering."