The Queen’s cousin has presented Hollywood actress Claire Bloom with an honorary fellowship at a prestigious Swiss Cottage drama school.

Princess Alexandra of Kent, 76, visited the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in Eton Avenue last week to unveil a plaque commemorating the university’s royal status, awarded a year ago this month.

The princess, who is also known as Lady Ogilvy, also attended a ceremony to award honorary fellowships to renowned stage and film actress Claire Bloom, a former pupil of the drama school, and outdoor theatre director ­Julian Rudd.

Ms Bloom, 82, who starred with Charlie Chaplin, Laurence Olivier and Richard Burton, said: “[Central] was a great grounding and I remember so many principles of speech that I was taught here.”

Princess Alexandra said: “I am delighted to be here. My congratulations to all the recipients of this honorary fellowship, who show the diversity of the work of the school and of the great achievements of actors on the stage and all those involved in all other aspects of performance, so much of it in the community.”