Gary Barlow and Kate Winslet honoured by the Queen

The singer said he was honoured to have received the gong. Picture: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire

Wednesday, November 21, 2012
5:12 PM

Gary Barlow and Kate Winslet were honoured by the Queen at Buckingham Palace in London today.

Gary Barlow was appointed an OBE during the ceremony. Picture: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire

The Take That frontman was appointed a OBE for his services to the entertainment industry while Winslet received her CBE for services to drama.

Barlow was behind the triumphant Diamond Jubilee concert - staged at the palace - which featured a host of stars including Stevie Wonder, Robbie Williams and Sir Paul McCartney.

He also co-wrote the single Sing, celebrating the Queen’s 60 years on the throne - with Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber, which topped the UK singles chart.

After receiving her honour, Winslet said: “She asked me if I enjoyed acting and I said yes I liked it but not as much as being a mother. “It is the best job.”

Kate Winslet outside Buckingham Palace after receiving her honour. Picture: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire

Winslet has a daughter, Mia, 12, with first husband Jim Threapleton and had a son, Joe, with American Beauty and Skyfall director Sam Mendes in 2003.

The Reading-born actress said the ceremony and honour were not comparable to the “terrifying spectacle” of events like the Oscars.

“It is a completely different kind of honour,” she added. “The sense of gravity is enormous and you very much feel you are being acknowledged by the whole country in a way.

“There is something incomparably overwhelming about that.”