Idris Elba celebrates his OBE with his mother: 'Made my mum very happy today'

Idris Elba was one of the record number of stars to make the Queen's New Year's Honours list and the British actor made sure to celebrate the momentous occasion with his leading lady. The Luther star's mother was 'very happy' as she accompanied him to Buckingham Palace where he was awarded an OBE for his services to drama.

Looking dapper in a navy blue suit, the 43-year-old thespian posed with his proud mother, Eve, who was dressed in traditional Ghanaian attire, complete with a headtie. He captioned the image of the pair standing side by side following the prestigious ceremony: "@BritishMonarchy Made my *Mum very happy today!!"

Ahead of his afternoon at the Palace, the Hackney-born actor shared a sneek peak of his outfit for the occasion as he posed in front of a luxury black car, writing: "Flying the East End flag at Buckingham Palace today!!! OBE Day ... How does the boy look? Feeling Proppa...:)"

The Golden Globe winner is best known for his portrayals of drug lord Stringer Bell in the HBO series The Wire, and a detective in the BBC series Luther. With standout roles in films including Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, Prometheus and Takers, he has managed to successfully break into America. The Duke of Cambridge was on hand to congratulate him as he received the accolade.

Elba will likely be wanted to let his hair down following a turbulent few weeks. In February, The Beasts Of No Nation actor reportedly split from his girlfriend and mother of his son Naiyana Garth. The couple are said to have ended their three-year relationship quietly and will continue co-parenting their 22-month-old son Winston.