Catherine Zeta-Jones Gets U.K. Honor – But Don't Call Her 'Dame!'

By Cynthia Wang

Thursday February 24, 2011 11:00 PM EST

Catherine Zeta-Jones

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With children Carys and Dylan and husband Michael Douglas looking on, actress Catherine Zeta-Jones was named Commander of the Order of the British Empire (or CBE) for her film and charitable accomplishments on Thursday.

The Welsh-born Zeta-Jones, 41, said she was thrilled to have her husband by her side. "It was worth [it] to have Michael in good health to be able to enjoy it with me."

The CBE is the third-highest rank in the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, an honor of merit created by King George V in 1917.

The two highest honors, Knight or Dame Grand Cross (GBE) and Knight Commander (KBE) or Dame Commander (DBE), are the titles that allow recipients from the Commonwealth to add Sir or Dame before their names.

Celebrities who have received a CBE include musician Eric Clapton, actress Angela Lansbury and late fashion designer Alexander McQueen.

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