Stars salute our national heroes

THE Queen was last night named the Greatest Living Briton at a star-studded live TV show backed by The Sun.

The Greatest Britons 2007 ceremony was the finale to weeks of voting by Sun readers.

Prince Edward accepted the award on her behalf by video link. He said: “I am just sorry that my mother can’t be here to receive this in person. She feels very honoured to receive this.”

And Helen Mirren, who played Her Majesty in movie The Queen, said: “She deserves to win. She has dedicated her life to Britain.”

Sun readers had whittled down a list of 50 brilliant Brits to a shortlist of five.

Then ITV viewers picked the Queen ahead of rival finalists Robbie Williams, Sir Paul McCartney, Dame Julie Andrews and Baroness Thatcher.

Dame Helen, 61, was also a winner — in the awards’ film category.

She said: “How great to be up there with fish and chips, bangers and mash and a good old cup of tea.”

David Beckham, 32, was named Britain’s greatest ambassador.

The Real Madrid and former England star jetted into London from Spain to collect the honour from Arsenal’s Thierry Henry.

He said: “This is an honour and a privilege.”

A celebrity panel decided eight other categories.

Comedian Ricky Gervais, 45, was Greatest Briton in the TV category.

Newlywed Brit singing sensation Amy Winehouse, 23, beat legend Sir Elton John in the music category. Judge Kelly Osbourne collected the award on Amy’s behalf.

Gordon Brown made his first big award ceremony appearance since becoming PM-in-waiting. He presented the best British business award to smoothie drinks firm Innocent.

British adventurer Sir Ranulph Fiennes, 63, beat off competition from Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton and boxer Joe Calzaghe — who arrived with stunning partner Jo-Emma Lavine — to become No 1 Brit in the sports category.

Sir Ranulph collected his award from 1966 England World Cup legend Sir Geoff Hurst.

Graffiti artist Banksy was named top Brit in the art category. Duncan Goose was best campaigner.

Celebs at the show, hosted by Kate Thornton, included Sir Bob Geldof, Geri Halliwell, Natasha Bedingfield and Sophie Ellis-Bextor.

Sir Bob had been rooting for Macca and called him a “copper bottomed genius.”

Other judges were former Olympic gold medallist Lord Coe, Marks and Spencer chairman Stuart Rose, BBC Dragons’ Den pundit Duncan Bannatyne, T4 presenter June Sarpong, Radio One film critic James King, DJ Trevor Nelson, Four Weddings And A Funeral writer Richard Curtis, designer Kelly Hoppen, hurdler Colin Jackson, ITV newsreader Andrea Catherwood, designer Zandra Rhodes and eco-campaigner Zac Goldsmith.