The Duke of Cambridge presented British actress Emma Thompson with a damehood on Wednesday at Buckingham Palace, making her a Dame Commander of the British Empire.
The Oscar-winning actress attended the Investiture Ceremony at Buckingham Palace with her husband, fellow actor Greg Wise – who has played Louis Mountbatten on the first two seasons of The Crown – and children, Gaia Wise and Tindy Agaba.
It was an added bonus that it was Prince William presenting her with her damehood.
“I love Prince William,” said Dame Emma afterwards to the Associated Press. “I’ve known him since he was little, and we just sniggered at each other. I said, ‘I can’t kiss you, can I?’ And he said, ‘No, don’t!’”
Thompson wore a pair of trainers with her navy suit as well as an equal pay pin to draw attention to the cause. The pin, available through the Fawcett Society, is meant to “show solidarity with women fighting for equal pay.”
The Fawcett Society marks Equal Pay Day each year, and in 2018, it falls on 10th November. It has pins available for sale on its official website and urges people to #GetEqual.
Thompson spoke about Prince William further, saying that, “He’s looking so wonderful and doing so well. He said, ‘This day isn’t about me, it’s about you.’”
Thompson has a long history with the Royal Family, particularly with William’s father. “It’s really lovely because I’ve always loved the boys, and I’ve always been a long-term correspondent with their dad. It’s a very lovely feeling.”
Thompson told the reporters that she plans to use her damehood for good causes, saying that she plans to “focus attention on the plight of poor children who don’t get adequate food during school holidays.”
Thompson was named a Dame in The Queen’s Birthday Honours List this past June.
