I'm most fortunate in having been given such a wonderful career

Dame Elizabeth Taylor

Wearing a diamond-studded bracelet that was a gift from close friend Michael Jackson, she gave a whoop of delight as TV presenter Joan Bakewell announced her fellowship award had been decorated with a single diamond.

After receiving glowing tributes from fellow actors Sir Nigel Hawthorne and Dame Joan Plowright, Dame Elizabeth made her way to the podium supported by aides.

She said: "I'm most fortunate in having been given such a wonderful career and I'm blessed that you chose to recognise me."

Dame Elizabeth used her acceptance speech to highlight the plight of people with Aids and HIV.

"It has been a long, slow uphill struggle, not just to alert the public to the urgency of our case but to build the strong, viable organisations that are needed to curtail this epidemic," she said.

"The epidemic still rages on. In many places it's virtually unchecked."

Ending emotionally, the star added: "Together we will tell the world we will not give up, we will not give out and we will certainly not be ignored."