LONDON , England ( CNN ) -- She has reported from the front lines of conflicts around the world , interviewed world leaders , and investigated the important issues of our time . And on Tuesday , CNN 's Christiane Amanpour received an honor from Queen Elizabeth II in recognition of her work . Christiane Amanpour 's award recognizes her services to journalism . Amanpour received a CBE , or Commander in the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire , `` for services to journalism . '' The queen bestowed the honor on Amanpour , CNN 's chief international correspondent , at a ceremony in the ballroom at Buckingham Palace , London . Wearing a white skirt suit and formal brown hat with a bow , Amanpour approached the queen and bowed . The queen , dressed in a bright blue dress , then pinned the medal on Amanpour 's lapel . `` I 'm incredibly thrilled and very proud , '' Amanpour told CNN afterwards . Amanpour and the queen briefly chatted during the ceremony , and Amanpour revealed afterwards that the monarch asked about CNN . `` I reminded her that she had actually opened the CNN London bureau , our new London offices , back in 2001 and she had a broad smile when I reminded her of that , '' Amanpour said . The medal is a blue and gold cross on a red ribbon with the motto , `` For God and the Empire . '' The award was created in 1917 by King George V , who wanted a way to recognize the large numbers of people in the British empire who were helping in the effort during World War One . The CBE ceremony is formally called an `` investiture , '' with 20 held each year for those receiving the award . Amanpour said it was `` moving '' to witness active military personnel receiving the same award Tuesday -- as well as the Victoria Cross , Britain 's highest military award . The award is considered a major honor for a British citizen and is one rank below knighthood . The British Cabinet Office , which approves the list of recipients , said the CBE rewards a `` highly distinguished , innovative contribution '' in the person 's area of activity . Amanpour said she is especially proud that the award simply recognizes her work in journalism . `` I think that 's what 's important to recognize in the current climate , '' she said . `` With so much lack of seriousness , so much weight put to sensationalism and tabloidism , I think this is -- I say for myself personally -- a really nice moment to recognize that actually serious journalism is being recognized . '' Amanpour has reported on most crises from the world 's many news hotspots including Iraq , Afghanistan , Iran , Israel , Pakistan , Somalia , Rwanda and the Balkans . She recently completed a year-long investigation into religious extremism titled `` God 's Warriors . '' Amanpour has said she shares the honor with colleagues and friends who believe in the same kind of journalism , as well as those who have died or been hurt reporting from the front lines . But Amanpour -- born to an Iranian father and a British mother -- says it 's also a great personal honor . `` Personally , as a British subject , this is very nice for my British half , '' she said with a smile . E-mail to a friend .
Christiane also receives a CBE ` ` for services to journalism '' Queen Elizabeth II presents the award at Buckingham Palace ceremony . ' Amanpour : ` ` I ' m incredibly thrilled and very proud '' Amanpour has reported from countries including Iraq , Afghanistan and the Balkans .