The Queen star returned to her most famous role for a stint on stage in London in 2013, and she reprised the part in March (15) for the Broadway launch of the Peter Morgan play, which focuses on the monarch's interactions with 12 political leaders, including Winston Churchill, Tony Blair and current incumbent David Cameron.

Her critically-acclaimed performance landed her her third Tony Award nomination for Best Leading Actress in a Play and she emerged triumphant at Sunday's (07Jun15) ceremony as she picked up the first honour of the night.

Taking to the stage, the Oscar winner quipped, "Your majesty, you did it again!"

She then dedicated the award to her husband, film director Taylor Hackford, and concluded, "Thank you this is an unbelievable honour, I'm so thrilled. Thank you."

The Audience was another winner just moments later as Mirren's co-star, Richard MCCabe, picked up the prize for Best Featured Actor in a Play for his portrayal of former Prime Minister Harold Wilson.

The 2015 Tony Awards are currently being co-hosted by Alan Cumming and Kristin Chenoweth at New York's Radio City Music Hall.