Special Agent James Bond was honoured by Britain at a special ceremony in Dublin today.
Pierce Brosnan, the current holder of the 007 move mantle, was given an honorary OBE by Britain's ambassador to Ireland, Mr Stewart Eldon.
Special Agent James Bond was honoured by Britain at a special ceremony in Dublin today. Pierce Brosnan, the current holder of the 007 move mantle, was given an honorary OBE by Britain's ambassador to Ireland, Mr Stewart Eldon.
Honorary OBEs are awarded on merit to non-British citizens by the Queen on the advice of the Foreign Office to people who have made an important contribution to British interests.
The 50-year-old present-day OO7, who has so far featured in four Bond films, was born in Navan, Co Meath.
Today's ceremony, held at the British envoy's residence, formally made him "an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire".
Afterwards Brosnan said he was "flattered and humbled" by the honour, adding: "I never expected this or dreamt of it. I hope I can carry on doing good things with it.
"I am bowled over really."
He said he had been told about the OBE about four months ago and at first thought it was a friend pulling his leg, "but later I realised it was for real".
Brosnan was accompanied by his parents, Bill and Mary Carmichael, sons Chris and Sean, daughter Sharon and granddaughter Isabella, commenting: "It's wonderful to have the whole family here like this."
His acting achievements apart, Brosnan is also campaign chairman for the Entertainment Industry Foundation and has been a leading figure in environmental protection efforts over the past decade. Two years ago, he was appointed a special patron for Unicef Ireland.