It's been centuries since a British monarch used a little-known right to behead actors for "Grosse and Dyverse Shouts and Pylling of Faces," but Queen Elizabeth brought back an old tradition earlier today. Stewart, widely beloved for playing Cap't Picard on "Star Trek," duh, and for a witty, creepy, self-deprecating turn on the Merchant / Gervais show "Extras," was lured to the palace with the understanding he would be knighted. He said:

Shortly thereafter the queen swung the sword with a deft, confident swing that belied her age, and the famous bald head millions knew as "Professor X" from the "X-Men" movies, bounced to the floor. The queen reportedly handed the blade to an aide, and called loudly for Dame Edna to approach.