Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern was officially honored as a dame by Prince William during a ceremony at Windsor Castle on Wednesday. Ardern, who resigned from her position in early 2023, received the title of Dame Grand Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in recognition of her contributions to the country, as reported by Radio New Zealand.
Ardern described receiving the damehood as a "particularly special" occasion, noting her close working relationship with Prince William through the Earthshot Prize, where she serves as a trustee. "I feel incredibly honored and very humbled," she said, expressing gratitude to her family, former colleagues, and the New Zealand public for their support.
In a social media post, Prince William praised Ardern as an "extraordinary advocate," stating, "It was a privilege to present you with this deserved award at Windsor today!"
Ardern gained international recognition as one of New Zealand's youngest leaders, renowned for her compassionate leadership during the 2019 Christchurch mosque shootings and the COVID-19 pandemic. Since leaving office, she has shifted her focus to conservation, writing, and spreading kindness in the world.
October 17, 2024
She offered encouragement to aspiring women in politics, saying, "You have no idea what you're capable of until you’re doing it... so just do it." Ardern also addressed the challenges of online abuse and urged women not to be deterred from pursuing leadership positions. Although she stepped down to spend more time with her family, she remains dedicated to causes such as marine conservation and climate action.
