Actor Michael Caine Knighted

Friday, November 17th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

LONDON (AP) â€” He found fame as Michael Caine. But to accept one of his country's most prestigious honors, the Oscar-winning actor reverted to his real name Thursday and was knighted Sir Maurice Micklewhite.

``I was named after my father and I was knighted in his name because I love my father,'' Caine said after he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace.

He called the honor ``the recognition of a lifetime â€” this is the top one.''

Caine, 67, took his stage name from the film ``The Caine Mutiny.'' He has been nominated five times for an Academy Award. He won twice, most recently this year for his supporting role in ``The Cider House Rules.''

He said the queen didn't mention any of his films, but told him, ``I get the impression that you've been doing what you do for a very long time.''