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Firth presented with Italian honour

Actor Colin Firth has been named a Commander of the Order of the Star of Italian Solidarity, one of Italy's highest honours.
1 of 1 Firth - Received Italian honour
Firth - Received Italian honour

Firth was awarded the honour in recognition of his significant contribution to the promotion of Italy's image in the UK.

The actor, who is married to Italian producer Livia Giuggioli, is fluent in the Italian language and regularly organises literary events with the Italian Cultural Institute in London.

"Italy has become a big part of my life now," Firth said recently. "I love it. It's a huge blessing. I sort of married a whole family and a whole country."

"And learning Italian is a huge bonus that I didn't expect. I thought I was doomed to be unilingual for the rest of my life, like most Englishmen," he said.

The Star of Italian Solidarity, created in 1947, recognises the achievements of Italians and individuals who help promote Italy abroad. It originally rewarded the deeds of those who played a distinguished role in the reconstruction of Italy after World War II.

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