PRESS ASSOCIATION -- Dame Helen Mirren has backed calls for the creation of a Palestinian state, saying that it was a "necessity".
The Oscar-winning actress, 66, was speaking at the UK premiere of The Debt, in which she portrays a former Israeli Mossad secret agent.
In response to the Palestinian bid for statehood at the United Nations, Dame Helen said she was in favour of a two-state solution to the conflict.
She said: "I think it's a necessity that Palestine has a state.
"It's an absolute necessity certainly for the future of that part of the world."
Dame Helen also revealed one of the "secrets" to her youthful looks ahead of the premiere in the Curzon Mayfair cinema in central London.
She said: "One of my secrets is that I'm actually not in great shape.
"I just cover it up well, mind over matter to a certain extent.
"I'm not nearly as in good shape as I should be, let's put it that way."
The veteran star was decked out in a burgundy Donna Karan dress, Chopard jewellery and Rene Caovilla shoes.