World-renowned supermodel, designer and actress. Who is presently starring in the E! series The Royals, believes her greatest role to be that of a mother and that her most important message involves breast cancer awareness.

FREDDIE LEIBA: You are internationally known as one of the most beautiful women in the world. What does it feel like when you walk into a room and all eyes are on you?

ELIZABETH HURLEY: Thank you very much for the compliment. Everyone in the public eye gets stared at and I think friends who are with me notice it more than me. I think you become sort of oblivious over the years.

FREDDIE LEIBA: Aside from being a great beauty, your sense of humor and your ironic wit has led you to comedic roles such as your role in Austin Powers. Give us an example of one of the most memorable moments of that film.

ELIZABETH HURLEY: I loved playing Vanessa Kensington in Austin Powers. My son adores the movie and knows all my lines. I adored Mike Myers who made me cry with laughter every day. In the penis pump scene I laughed so much I got sent to my trailer to calm down like a schoolgirl.

Order your PASSION issue here.

FREDDIE LEIBA: You have been the face of Estée Lauder for over twenty years; how has this changed things for you and what has it been like?

ELIZABETH HURLEY: I am indeed in my twenty-first year of working with Estée Lauder and I thank my lucky stars every day. They are a phenomenal company and I think of the Lauders as my American Family.

FREDDIE LEIBA: Evelyn Lauder has been credited as one of the creators of the pink ribbon as a symbol for awareness of breast cancer. You became an ambassador for Estée Lauder’s cancer awareness campaign and travelled worldwide with Evelyn to promote this cause. Was this an eye opener for you and how has it affected you?

ELIZABETH HURLEY: The late Evelyn Lauder inspired me in so many ways and I learnt so much from her. She was a wonderful friend to me for over 17 years and I miss her terribly. I know so many women that have battled this disease and they didn’t all make it. We’re all scared of breast cancer, but we now know that if a localised tumour is detected early, it is 95% curable. That’s why it’s so important to get the message out and tell every woman to see their doctors regularly and get a mammogram every year if over the age of 40. Survival rates are rising and each year we get closer and closer to a cure for this disease. By wearing a pink ribbon, you are telling the world that you care and that you are supporting a powerful cause.

FREDDIE LEIBA: You also run your own signature beachwear collection. Do you have any plans to expand into other areas of signature apparel or accessories?

ELIZABETH HURLEY: Recently we have introduced a charming bijoux collection for young girls, aged 2–13 years. You can see a great selection of Elizabeth Hurley Beach, both Ladies & Kids, throughout the U.S. at Saks Fifth Avenue.

FREDDIE LEIBA: What would you consider to be the best role in your life?

ELIZABETH HURLEY: Being a mummy is my favourite role in real life but it’s pretty amazing playing the Queen of England in my new TV series, The Royals. I get to wear a crown and have all the extras curtsey to me every day. It could easily go to a girl’s head.

FREDDIE LEIBA: What is the most important lesson you’d like to teach your son?

ELIZABETH HURLEY: I teach him to be kind to everyone and to try hard at everything he does. I also try to get him to understand the difference between cost and value.

FREDDIE LEIBA: How does he deal with the attention you get from the public?

ELIZABETH HURLEY: He’s used to it and he understands that it’s the cost of doing the business. He likes fans and well- wishers but he loathes the paparazzi and is always trying to persuade me to run them over.

FREDDIE LEIBA: In 1994 your relationship with fashion designers was sealed when you wore the safety pin dress by Gianni Versace and it went viral. So many designers wanted to dress you. Can you name some of your favourite designers and/or your favourite dresses?

ELIZABETH HURLEY: Such a difficult question as I have had the most glorious dresses over the years. Of course, many of my favourites have been Versace, but Valentino, Dior and Cavalli have all made me such beautiful ones.

FREDDIE LEIBA: Who is the one person, not necessarily in fashion, that you most admire?

ELIZABETH HURLEY: Estée Lauder was an amazing woman; she created a massive empire in an era when most women stayed home.

FREDDIE LEIBA: What individual truly fascinates you and with whom you’d love to have afternoon tea?

ELIZABETH HURLEY: I would have loved to have had tea with Elvis, the most beautiful man ever, or maybe a late night drink. Perhaps he would have sung to me. Swoon.

FREDDIE LEIBA: Considering what you do, what are you most passionate about?

ELIZABETH HURLEY: I am passionate about everything I do and know I exhaust everyone around me. I am particularly passionate about finding a cure for breast cancer and will raise funds for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation until they find it.