Actress Helen Mirren was named naturist of the year on Friday by Britain’s main nudist group.
British Naturism said Mirren was selected from among ”a number of well-known celebrities who have made their love of a naturist lifestyle public”.
Mirren, who was named a dame — the female equivalent of a knight — by Queen Elizabeth II last year, was presented with an engraved rose bowl to commemorate the award.
”Many thanks to British Naturism for this great honour,” she said. ”I do believe in naturism and am my happiest on a nude beach with people of all ages and races.”
British Naturism, which promotes going without clothes ”as a friendly, relaxing and enjoyable way to spend your holidays and other free time”, estimates there are about two million naturists, or nudists, in Britain.
The group’s chairperson, Mick Ayers, said high-profile supporters like Mirren help dispel the image of naturism as ”an eccentric activity pursued by a tiny minority”.
One of Britain’s most respected actresses, Mirren (59) has starred as detective Jane Tennison in the Prime Suspect television series for more than a decade. She also received Oscar nominations for the films The Madness of King George in 1994 and Gosford Park in 2001. — Sapa-AP