Newly Knighted Kenneth Branagh Jokes About Giving Lessons in Chivalry

He has tackled William Shakespeare and a Norse God. Now Kenneth Branagh has received a top royal honor for his efforts.

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The Thor director was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II over the weekend, a boon he said was made more significant because it came during her Diamond Jubilee year.

"I feel very humble about it, I feel elated about it," Branagh told BBC News. “It would be an amazing thing at any time. In the jubilee year, I'm sure anybody else that's had the good fortune to be recognized would feel as I do. Very, very special."

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Branagh follows celebrated actors and personal idols into knighthood, including sirs Laurence Olivier and Anthony Hopkins.

“These are people who inspire the work that I do,” Branagh said. “To be connected to them in this way I find very humbling.

Kate Winslet and judge of the British The X Factor Gary Barlow were also honored by Her Majesty. Winslet received a CBE, the rank just below knighthood in the British order of chivalry, for services to drama.

"This makes me very proud to be a Brit,” Winslet said.

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Barlow, who co-wrote the hit anthem for the Queen's Jubilee can now say he is an OBE, which is two ranks below Knighthood.

For Branagh, his newfound knighthood could become a professional asset. He is currently directing an adaptation of Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan character, with Chris Pine taking on the role of the iconic CIA agent. Ryan in the past received an honorary knighthood, and Branagh joked he may instruct Pine on how to behave like a knight.

Sir Kenneth is, after all, now the expert.