The Berkshire boy who became a knight

Death On The Nile will be in our cinemas in October with Sir Kenneth Branagh directing and taking the lead role of Hercule Poirot, but the sun, sand and heat of Egypt is just the latest milestone in the life of...

- Bernard Bale

“I am originally from Northern Ireland,” said Sir Kenneth, “but my acting career really started at school in Reading and I have never forgotten the part this great county has played in my life.”

Living in Berkshire was a far cry from the city of Belfast where Kenneth was born on 10 December 1960. His father, William, was a plumber and carpenter while his mother, Frances, also had varied jobs. Kenneth had an older brother, William Jnr, and later a sister, Joyce.

“Growing up in Belfast there was a great sense of family and community. Life was built around visiting people. I remember years of coming home from school and going to my Auntie Irene’s, who lived two doors down, before my mother came home from work. My granny gave me my lunch every single day,” said Kenneth.