Billy Connolly, Julie Walters and June Whitfield among famous faces in Queen's Birthday Honours list

Billy Connolly has been awarded a knighthood in the Queen's Birthday Honours list.

The comedian and actor becomes a Sir in recognition of his services to entertainment and charity.

Speaking about being made a Sir, the 74-year-old told how it had not yet sunk in, and he did not think it would until "Glasgow people" start referring to him as "Sir Billy".

He continued that he wished his parents and sister were still alive to see him receive the honour, before joking that he did not feel the name Billy fitted being prefixed by "Sir".

The accolade - handed out in the centenary year of the Order of the British Empire - comes 14 years after he was made a CBE in 2003.

Actresses Julie Walters and June Whitfield were both made Dames.

They were among several famous faces from the worlds of comedy, literature and music to be honoured.

Ed Sheeran has been awarded an MBE. Credit: PA

Singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran has been recognised ahead of his Glastonbury headlining appearance.

The 26-year-old has been awarded an MBE for services to music and charity.

Harry Potter author JK Rowling is now a member of the Order of the Companions of Honour for her services to literature and philanthropy.

The honour comes after she was made an OBE in 2001.

Judy Murray adds to the honours already handed to her family by becoming an OBE.

Harry Potter author JK Rowling is now a member of the Order of the Companions of Honour. Credit: PA

Her son, world number one Sir Andy Murray, was knighted in the New Year Honours List, while his brother Jamie was made an OBE last year.

The tennis coach and former captain of Great Britain's Fed Cup team is being recognised for her work to grow the sport and for encouraging more women into sport.

Brit Award winner Emeli Sande, was made an MBE for her services to music, singer and songwriter.

Oscar-winner Olivia de Havilland, who turns 101 next month, is the oldest woman to become a dame in this centenary year of the modern-day honours system.

In a break with tradition, the Queen's Civilian Gallantry List has been released at the same time as the monarch's birthday honours.

Police Constable Keith Palmer, who was stabbed to death by attacker Khalid Masood in March on the forecourt of the Palace of Westminster, has been posthumously awarded the George Medal for confronting an armed terrorist to protect others and Parliament.