Hollywood star Emily Watson has described receiving an OBE as “absolutely amazing” – on the day her film about the Queen’s night with VE Day revellers is released.

The twice-Oscar nominated actress was left overwhelmed by the experience of being awarded the honour by the Prince of Wales during a Buckingham Palace investiture.

The ceremony was staged by chance as A Royal Night Out – about Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret’s evening with the crowds on VE Day in 1945 – went on general release.

Emily Watson gets OBE
Emily Watson with Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace (Jonathan Brady/PA)

Speaking about receiving the OBE for services to drama following more than 20 years on stage, screen and television, she said it was: “Absolutely amazing, thrilling – I feel a little bit overwhelmed, actually.”

The 48-year-old Londoner became a name to watch following success in her first major film role, Breaking The Waves, which saw her nominated for the best actress Oscar.

Asked if she knew her performance would win her plaudits, she replied: “I had no idea, that was the first film I’d ever made, I had no idea what was going on really. I just sort of went for it and did the best I could.”

She played down her screen talent, saying: “Once you’ve done it once, they keep asking you back. I feel very lucky, very fortunate.”

Emily Watson and her family
Emily Watson with her husband Jack Waters and children Juliet and Dylan (John Stillwell/PA)

Watson’s career has taken in Hollywood success – she got her second best-actress Oscar nod for Hilary And Jackie in which she played cellist Jacqueline du Pre and picked up the instrument herself to make the portrayal even more convincing.

She has appeared in films as diverse as Angela’s Ashes, Gosford Park and War Horse and her performance in ITV’s Appropriate Adult, about Fred West, won her a TV Bafta.

Asked to pick a favourite film she’s appeared in, she replied: “It’s a little bit like naming your favourite child but there are a few highlights, Breaking The Waves, Punch-Drunk Love, Gosford Park – there’s been some special moments.”

Watson said about her new movie: “It’s out today by the most amazing coincidence, they planned the film release to be co-ordinated with VE Day celebrations (this month).”

She said: “We filmed at Chatsworth and Belvoir Castle (for) the interior of the Palace.” Looking around the ornate furnishings of the Palace’s ballroom, where investitures are held, she added: “They did a really good job, actually.”

The actress plays Queen Elizabeth, later the Queen Mother, opposite Rupert Everett as King George VI with Sarah Gadon as Princess Elizabeth, the future Queen, and Bel Powley as Princess Margaret.

She said she watched old footage of the Queen Mother but there was not much archive material of her speaking.