Michael Caine to be Awarded Freedom of the City of London

British actor Sir Michael Caine will be given the Freedom of the City of London.

In the past, the honour has been bestowed upon other actors including Dame Judi Dench, and figures such as Winston Churchill, Diana, Princess of Wales and Nelson Mandela have also been recipients.

One of the oldest surviving traditional ceremonies, the award is thought to date back to 1237.
The honour is the latest in a long list awarded to Caine, who will turn 80 next week.

Caine was originally from London, having grown up in Southwark. Born Maurice Micklewhite in 1933 to a fish porter and a cleaner, he became famous for his roles in films such as Zulu, The Italian Job and The Ipcress File.

Caine has appeared in more than 100 films, most recently starring in some of Hollywood's biggest blockbusters, including Christopher Nolan's Batman trilogy and Inception.
The rights which come with the honour are now mostly obsolete. They include being able to drive sheep over London Bridge, or being hanged with a silk rope.

Caine's latest film, Now You See Me, starring Morgan Freeman and Jesse Eisenberg, is set for release in June.