Veteran actor John Hurt has been awarded a knighthood by Queen Elizabeth II for his services to drama. The 75 year old received the honour during an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle on Friday, where he was accompanied by his wife Anwen Hurt.

John HurtJohn Hurt has received a knighthood.

The actor is currently undergoing treatment for pancreatic cancer, which he said is going ‘really well’. "I'm halfway through my chemotherapy and I've got a whole load of tests next week," he told Sky News after the ceremony.

More: John Hurt "Undergoing Treatment" For Cancer, Promises To Continue Working

“I'm not feeling any of the side effects you're suppose to feel, or at least you can feel, as everybody's different I'm told. It's extraordinary, I haven't lost weight or anything and I'm feeling good—it's crazy. My oncologist is extremely optimistic, as indeed I am, so everything is going really well.”

In a statement last month Hurt revealed his cancer diagnosis saying, 'I have always been open about the way in which I conduct my life and in that spirit I would like to make a statement.  I have recently been diagnosed with early stage pancreatic cancer.’

‘I am undergoing treatment and am more than optimistic about a satisfactory outcome, as indeed is the medical team. I am continuing to focus on my professional commitments and will shortly be recording Jeffrey Bernard Is Unwell (one of life's small ironies!) for BBC Radio 4.' 

More: John Hurt Reveals Pancreatic Cancer Diagnosis

The two time Oscar nominee is most famous for his role as John Merrick in the 1980 film The Elephant Man. But younger audiences will know Hurt best as wand seller Garrick Ollivander in three Harry Potter movies, starting with The Philosopher’s Stone. Hurt has also starred in Alien, Midnight Express and V For Vendetta.