Speaking out for those without a voice leads to damehood for Jolie

Known by millions for her roles in Hollywood blockbusters including Tomb Raider and current release Maleficent, she has been a leading lady in cinema for more than a decade.

But Ms Jolie, 39, is also a committed humanitarian and was described by US secretary of state John Kerry this week as a “fierce and fearless advocate” in this field.

Jolie is receiving an honorary damehood for services to UK foreign policy and the campaign to end war zone sexual violence in a week which saw her co-chair, with Foreign Secretary William Hague, a global summit in London to End Sexual Violence in Conflict (ESVC).

Ms Jolie said: “To receive an honour related to foreign policy means a great deal to me, as it is what I wish to dedicate my working life to.

“Working on the Preventing Sexual Violence Initiative and with survivors of rape is an honour in itself.

“I know that succeeding in our goals will take a lifetime, and I am dedicated to it for all of mine.”

Ms Jolie is co-founder of the Preventing Sexual Violence Initiative and she is also special envoy of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees.

A film Ms Jolie made - In The Land Of Blood And Honey, set during the Bosnian war - was what brought her and Mr Hague together, leading to the ESVC summit at the ExCel exhibition centre in London’s Docklands this week.