Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern was officially made a Dame in a ceremony at Windsor Castle, London.
She was honoured as a Dame Grand Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her services to the state, following her surprise resignation as prime minister in early 2023.
The award was presented by Prince William, who shared the moment on social media. He described Ardern as a “friend, an extraordinary advocate,” and called it a privilege to bestow the honour. In a video message, Dame Jacinda said it was a “huge honour” and expressed gratitude to her family, colleagues, and the people of New Zealand for their support.
Ardern was in the UK not only to receive the award but also to attend a meeting for the Earthshot Prize, an environmental initiative led by Prince William. She serves as one of the trustees for the prize, which focuses on finding solutions to environmental challenges.
Reflecting on the recognition, Ardern noted that it felt like an acknowledgment not just of her work but of the collective efforts of many people.
