Dame Helen Mirren didn’t ‘rush to get married’

Dame Helen Mirren is glad she didn’t "rush to get married".

The ‘Eye In The Sky’ star was in a relationship with Taylor Hackford for over a decade before they decided to tie the knot in 1997 and she believes that is the secret to their long-standing relationship.

Dishing out her top tips for women at Elle’s Women In Hollywood gala in Beverly Hills, she said: "There are no rules about love, I don’t believe – but don’t be in a rush to get married. Honestly, I married Taylor much later in life and it’s worked out just great.

"But give your partner the freedom and support to achieve their ambition. it’s very important and that goes both ways for men and women."

And the 71-year-old actress also urged people to connect with their friends using traditional means rather than through social media like Facebook.

She added: "Connect with friends daily and I don’t mean on Facebook. Better to have three great friends than 300 friends on social media – friends that you really talk to."

Meanwhile, Helen previously revealed building a house with her husband strengthened their marriage.

She explained: "You build houses together. If anything’s going to make you divorce, it’ll be building a house together. If you get through that, that’s a huge triumph."

And Helen also feels she has learned a lot from her other half.

She added: "We’re very different but I’ve learnt a huge amount from him, including returning phone calls. If he gets a phone call, he returns it immediately.

"He’s one of those detail-orientated people. I admire him very much. But then, it’s a two-way street. I’m sure he’s also learnt things from me."