Liam Neeson made his first public appearance following the death of his wife Natasha Richardson in March this year.

Neeson was seen in public when he received an honorary doctorate on 6 May from his alma mater, Queens University, Belfast at the British Consulate in New York.

The actor who is a college drop-out was accompanied by his two sons Michael (13) and Daniel (12).

According to Irish Central, Neeson was shaky at first but he warmed up as he paid a touching tribute to his late wife Natasha Richardson, quoting the poet Paul Muldon.

He read a passage that said: Art builds from pain, from misery, from a deep seated-hurt, a monument to the human heart that shines like a golden dome among roofs rain-glazed and laden…

"I think it's a message that a university always gives its student in the end: It's time to move on, get on with your life. I got on with mine, and I'm still getting on."

His wife died from a severe brain injury on 18 March, two days after she was involved in a skiing accident in Montreal.

The couple were together for 14 years.

Pick of the Pics From funny moments to serious stuff, iafrica.com brings you the week's best pictures.

Blogs to bookmark Are politics and economics good bedfellows? Can they be separated? Check out our latest blog!

Quirky & Bizarre Do you need a laugh? Then check out our offbeat stories from around the world...