Charlie Chaplin, the king of comedy, was knighted by Queen Elizabeth in 1975

NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
Thursday, March 3, 2016, 12:00 PM
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Actor Charlie Chaplin kisses his wife Oona outside of Buckingham Palace in London, March 4, 1975, after being knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in a private ceremony. CC/AP

Actor Charlie Chaplin kisses his wife Oona outside of Buckingham Palace in London, March 4, 1975, after being knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in a private ceremony.

(Originally published by the Daily News on March 5, 1975.)

LONDON, March 4 — Too frail to kneel Charlie Chaplin was dubbed Sir Charles by Queen Elizabeth today in the ornate ballroom of Buckingham Palace — three miles from the slums where he grew up in poverty.

The Welsh Guards’ band played the haunting theme from Chaplin’s film “Limelight” as the king of comedy, now 85, was brought in a wheelchair before the British queen.

She smiled. He sat forward, looking somewhat bewildered.

Takes Honor Sitting Down

Queen Elizabeth took a ceremonial sword and tapped him on both shoulders, saying softly: “Arise, Sir Charles Chaplin, Knight Commander of the British Empire.”

But the white-haired comedian was unable to get to his feet.

New York Daily News published this on March 5, 1975 New York Daily News

New York Daily News published this on March 5, 1975

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New York Daily News published this on March 5, 1975 New York Daily News

New York Daily News published this on March 5, 1975

Enlarge

New York Daily News published this on March 5, 1975

The emotional moment was just 20 seconds in the 75-minute parade of 170 Britons receiving royal honors, but hardly an eye was left dry.

Wife and 2 Children Attend

There was no applause, according to request by a royal courtier before the ceremony opened.

The new Lady Chaplin, the former Oona O’Neill, and two of her children — Annie 15, and Christopher 12, were among hundreds of award-winners relatives arrayed against the crimson and gold, the priceless tapestries and glittering chandeliers.

When it was over, Chaplin was helped to his feet and he tried with obvious effort to wave his walking cane in celebration.

“I feel wonderful” he said in the faintest of whispers. “I was most impressed with the ceremony. And now I am going to get drunk.”

14684 ASSOCIATED PRESS

Queen Elizabeth II shakes hands with actor Charles Chaplin during meeting in Empire Theatre, London, England on Oct. 27, 1952 for Royal Film Show.

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ARCHIVE; atx; Handout

Charlie Chaplin in "Modern Times" (1936).

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Exits with A Smile

Chaplin said that the queen thanked him for making the films that enchanted world audiences. “She said she’d seen them all, but didn’t mention any favorite,” he said.

As reporters pressed around, Oona hugged her husband’s arm and repeated: “Smile, go on, smile.” Chaplin kissed her on the cheek and the flashbulbs popped.

The photographers restrained themselves as the immortal comic, in top hat, was eased into a limousine. He waved to a crowd standing outside the palace gates.

“I’ll make another film,” he said. “I’m still able to work.”

Published via News wire services

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