[Natalie Allen, Cnn Anchor:] Well, Queen Elizabeth waved her magic wand as only she can do today, and instantly, a couple of Hollywood legends became true-blue dames. Here's CNN's Judy Fortin.
[Judy Fortin, Cnn Correspondent:] Call her Dame Elizabeth. The queen honored the screen legend for her service to the entertainment industry and fund-raising efforts for AIDS. She emerged from the royal ceremony at Buckingham Palace in obvious awe.
[Question:] Can you tell us what this honor means for you today?
[Elizabeth Taylor, Actress:] It is the most exciting and I do not exaggerate day of my life. It totally came as a surprise to me. I had no inkling. It was just like, what? I can't believe it! It's like, me getting a dameship!
[Fortin:] The actress was born to American parents in London 68 years ago. She burst onto movie screens in the '40s as a child star in films like "National Velvet." Her beauty and violet eyes propelled her into roles in some 80 films, two Oscars, and into several Hollywood marriages, including two to the late Richard Burton. Today, Taylor reflected she wished Burton could have been there. The actress, who is recovering from hip surgery, says she and her four children will celebrate the honor with a lunch of roast beef and Yorkshire pudding.
[Taylor:] I feel wonderful, and world watch out!
[Fortin:] Also receiving the order of the British empire from Queen Elizabeth today was "Mary Poppins" and "Sound of Music" actress Julie Andrews.
[Julie Andrews, Actress:] She spoke first and she said it was a great thrill to see me here, that it was a great pleasure to see me here today, and I said, "Oh, your majesty you can't imagine what a thrill it is for me, too."
[Fortin:] The two dames, old friends, both share the same excitement about wearing the royal broach. Judy Fortin, CNN reporting.