Colin Firth could be knighted

Colin Firth is set to be knighted after winning an Oscar for 'The King's Speech'.

The 50-year-old actor portrayed Queen Elizabeth's father King George VI in the movie, and the royal family are said to be so impressed with his performance they are considering making him a Sir.

A source told the Daily Mail newspaper: "Colin has been a great ambassador for Britain throughout his career and his sensitive portrayal of King George VI has won him much admiration among the royal family - and of course, the film's many fans."

Although Buckingham Palace has refused to confirm the speculation, the British honours system recognises excellent achievement in any field of work, with Catherine Zeta-Jones among those recently awarded with a Commander of the Order of the British Empire for her acting career and services to charity.

Colin will learn if he has made the cut the week before the Queen's Birthday Honours list is announced in June.

It was recently revealed the queen had enjoyed a private screening of 'The King's Speech'.

A source said: "The Queen loves a good film. 'The King's Speech' is close to the bone as it is a portrayal of her family in the 1930s.

"But she found it moving and enjoyable. She was clearly amused by some of the lighter moments."