New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern received a damehood during an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle today. The event showcased the strong friendship between Ardern, 44, and Prince William, 42, as they interacted warmly throughout the proceedings.

 

The two were seen smiling broadly, clearly comfortable in each other’s company, as the Prince of Wales pinned the honor onto Ardern’s sash near her waist.

 

For the occasion, Ardern wore a stunning navy blue maxi dress made from silky fabric, featuring short sleeves, a conservative round neckline, and a generous skirt. She completed her elegant look with a pair of black heeled pumps. Her brunette locks were styled in a low bun, with two loose tendrils framing her face, adding a touch of softness to her overall appearance.

 

This investiture not only recognized Ardern’s significant contributions to leadership and public service but also highlighted the enduring bond between the two leaders.

 

 

 

During the investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle, Prince William looked dapper in his dress uniform, complemented by classic black Oxford-style shoes. The event celebrated the achievements of 57 honorees, including New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, who received a damehood.

 

Among the distinguished individuals recognized was ultra-runner Jasmin Paris, 40, from Midlothian, who was awarded a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE). Dr. Paris has made headlines for her remarkable accomplishments in some of the world’s toughest races. Notably, she became the first woman to complete the 100-mile Barkley Marathons in Tennessee this March, finishing just 99 seconds before the 60-hour cut-off—a historic feat in the running community.

 

In addition to her running accolades, Dr. Paris is a senior lecturer in small animal medicine at the University of Edinburgh and a proud mother of two. She has also won the British Fell Running Championships in 2015 and 2018 and previously held records in the Bob Graham Round and the Ramsay Round, both challenging fell running courses.

 

Former sports minister Tracey Crouch was also honored with a damehood for her leadership in reviewing football governance following proposals for a breakaway European Super League. Additionally, Jean-Christophe Gray, the Prince of Wales’ former chief aide, was recognized as a Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order (LVO).

 

This investiture not only highlighted the achievements of its honorees but also underscored the royal family’s commitment to acknowledging extraordinary contributions across various fields.

 

 

He joined William in 2021 – the year after Megxit – and was in situ during the launch of the prince’s Homewards project to tackle homelessness and his transition to heir to the throne after Queen Elizabeth II’s death.

 

His departure from Kensington Palace earlier this year came following news the Waleses were planning to restructure their household with a new chief executive.

 

The closeness exhibited today by the royal and the former New Zealand PM isn’t the first time their friendly bond has been caught on camera.

 

In 2019, during a two-day visit to New Zealand, the prince commemorated Anzac Day.

 

The then-Duke, who cut a sombre figure, donning a navy suit during the ceremony at Auckland’s War Memorial Museum, was joined by then PM-Jacinda Ardern.

 

William greeted Jacinda with a traditional Maori touch of the noses called a hongi.

 

According to reports, Jacinda was appointed a Dame Grand Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2023 King’s Birthday Honours for her services to the state.

 

The appointment came just months after her shock resignation as PM.

 

 

 

Her official citation listed her response to the Covid-19 pandemic, ‘positioning New Zealand as having one of the lowest Covid-19 related death rates in the Western world’.

 

It also listed her leadership in response to the 15 March terrorist attacks.

 

In a statement ahead of today’s ceremony, the former PM said: ‘It will be a really special day – but amongst it all, it will be home that I will be thinking of.

 

‘For me, accepting an honour is a way to say thank you to my family, those I worked with, and all the people who supported me to undertake a role that will forever be the greatest privilege of my life.’

 

She added that her family would be joining her for the event, as well as Whaea Esther Jessop from the London Māori club Ngāti Ranana – which had allowed her don one its ceremonial clocks (called kākahu) for the ceremony.