Helen Mirren proves dames are not above twerking

Actress Helen Mirren acts out "twerking" in a game of charades at Harvard University in the US Credit: REUTERS/Brian Snyder

Dame Helen Mirren may have become a household name playing such regal characters as Queen Elizabeth II, but she proved she was not above twerking at an awards ceremony on Thursday.

The 68-year-old actress was named woman of the year by Harvard University's student dramatics society, Hasty Pudding Theatricals.

During a game of charades at the awards ceremony she was challenged to twerk - the raunchy dance move synonymous with US singer Miley Cyrus - which she did to the delight of the crowd:

Mirren said that receiving the tiny pudding pot, which is traditionally awarded to Hasty's woman of the year, was an even bigger honour than meeting the Queen at Buckingham palace.

Hasty Pudding Theatricals is America's oldest undergraduate drama society and is known for its bawdy musical performances, all-male cast and cross-dressing.

Helen Mirren is joined onstage by a student actor playing the role of Queen Elizabeth I Credit: REUTERS/Brian Snyder

Helen Mirren won the 2007 best actress Oscar for her role as Queen Elizabeth II in 'The Queen'.