The Queen has bestowed honours upon stars of the small and silver screens - as well as those famous for political polling - at a ceremony in Edinburgh.

Professor Sir John Curtice was knighted by Her Majesty at the Palace of Holyroodhouse on Tuesday, for services to social sciences and politics.

He was said to have "won" the 2017 general election - in which the Conservatives lost their Westminster majority - after the results almost matched his exit poll.

However, the University of Strathclyde academic was unable to predict ever being given a knighthood.

Speaking after the ceremony in Edinburgh, the 64-year-old said: "I'm delighted. I was delighted when I first heard of this before Christmas of last year.

"This is not something that I saw coming, not something I ever envisaged happening, but obviously heartening to have such recognition.

"In truth, also, a lot of people have said a lot of very kind words over the last six months and for that I'm undoubtedly very grateful."

Music at the ceremony came from the Countess of Wessex's string orchestra, with songs including Eleanor Rigby and Ed Sheeran's Thinking Out Loud.

The Royal Company of Archers was on hand to act as bodyguard to the Queen.

Game of Thrones actor James Cosmo received an MBE for services to drama.

He said he enjoyed meeting other recipients of the royal "gongs" and described the feeling of being awarded such an honour as "lovely".

The 70-year-old from West Dunbartonshire added: "I suppose it's like a footnote to my career.

"I've been in the business for 53 years now and it's wonderful to be recognised - all for being an actor, that's all. It's a lovely feeling."

The Braveheart and Highlander star said he would be spending the evening with his family and looking forward to an England win in their World Cup clash with Colombia.

He added: "Let's hope."

TV presenter Ross King was also awarded an MBE for services to broadcasting, the arts and charity.

The LA correspondent for ITV Breakfast programmes Lorraine and Good Morning Britain said he been given congratulations from a raft of stars over the honour.

Big names include Catherine Zeta-Jones, Michael Douglas, Gerard Butler, Lulu, Jane Seymour, Gary Barlow and Dame Joan Collins.

The 56-year-old added: "It's been absolutely phenomenal to get such good wishes from them.

"It's still such a surprise because - when you get for broadcasting, for the arts and for charity - to get a threefer is even more unbelievable for me.

"So I am absolutely chuffed to the gutties, as they say here.

"It's for my mum and dad as well, because they they were ones who really deserve it."

They were among 65 people to receive their honours during the hour-long ceremony.