Oscar-winning actress Angelina Jolie has been named an honorary dame by Britain's Queen Elizabeth II for her humanitarian work against sexual violence, British media reported on Friday.

The 39-year-old Hollywood star was presented with the insignia of an Honorary Dame Grand Cross of the Most Distinguished Order of St Michael and St George. The investiture took place during a private audience with the Queen at Buckingham Palace.

Jolie is a special envoy for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees and co-founded the Preventing Sexual Violence Initiative (PSVI) in 2012.

Jolie was reportedly accompanied to the Palace by her husband, Brad Pitt, and their children. All introduced to the Queen, although they did not have official pictures taken, the UK's MailOnline reported.

It is rare for non-Britons like Jolie, who is American, to be awarded such an honour. Because she is not a British citizen, Jolie may not be addressed as Dame, but received the award on an honorary basis for her work at trying to stamp out rape in war zones.

Mother Teresa, who cared for the sick and poor, and singer Bono, who is Irish, are among non-Britons who have also recieved honorary damehood or knighthood.
(The Straits Times)