Appointed by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II herself, actor David Harewood is one the latest members of British society to earn a position as a Member of The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE), for acting.

Harewood's is a face familiar to many for the many TV, film, and stage productions he has been part of in his nearly 30 year acting career.  More recently, though, Harewood may be recognized from his performances in the film Blood Diamond, the Katori Hall stage play The Mountaintop, and the Showtime television show Homeland.  This past New Year's Day, Harewood was seen in the Sky 1 HD presentation of Treasure Island.

The Most Excellent Order of The British Empire is a British order of knighthood instituted in 1917 by King George V to reward both civilian and military wartime service.  Currently, however, the honor is bestowed for meritorious service to the government in peace as well as for gallantry in wartime.

Announced this past New Year's Eve, Harewood is reported to have been "in shock" upon realizing that he had been bestowed the honor.  "I was astonished. I thought it was a tax bill so I left it sitting there for three days. I was just shocked," said Harewood.  "I had to read it again and you just think it must be for someone else."