At an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle, the former New Zealand Prime Minister received her damehood from Prince William.
The Princess and Princess of Wales posted about the award on their social media, referring to Ardern as “a friend”.
After receiving the damehood, Ardern called the move a “huge honour”.
“You know, I feel really humbled by the chance to be here with my family and, really, I see it as an acknowledgement of them and of every person I have worked with and everyone who has supported me.”
She said that included a “very large number” of New Zealanders.
A friend, an extraordinary advocate for the environment and now a Dame Grand Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to the State.@jacindaardern, it was a privilege to present you with this deserved award at Windsor today! pic.twitter.com/Hj7Nhtxki2
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) October 16, 2024
Ardern was made Dame Grand Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the King’s Birthday Honours in June 2023, but said travel commitments meant it wasn’t possible to receive the investiture until now.
Arden became New Zealand’s 40th Prime Minister in October 2017, and served as Prime Minister for five years, resigning from the role in January 2023.
In the time since, she has been working on a number of projects including writing a book, as well as an ’empathetic leadership’ programme called ‘Field.’ She also took time out to marry husband Clarke Gayford in a ceremony in Hawke’s Bay in January.
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