Jacinda Ardern 'really humbled' to receive damehood from Prince William in 'particularly special' ceremony

Former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern has been given a top honour from the British royal family.

The 44-year-old was awarded a damehood during an investiture ceremony held by Prince William at Windsor Castle on Wednesday for "services to the state".

The former politician said getting made a Dame Grand Commander of the New Zealand Order of Merit by the Prince of Wales, who has become a close friend, was "particularly special".

Watch the video above.

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During the ceremony, the pair had a giggle as Prince William appeared to struggle briefly while pinning on the new accessory.

Ardern wore a navy blue silk dress to the palace with a traditional Maori garment draped over her shoulders.

She took the traditional garment off for the ceremony, then had some help popping it back on after receiving her sash, proudly showing it off in the official photos.

After the ceremony, Ardern said it was a "huge honour" and she felt "really humbled" by the recognition.

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In a clip shared on social media by Kensington Palace, Ardern said the honour was also an acknowledgement of her family and "of every person I worked with and of everyone who supported me and that includes a very large number of New Zealanders".

Prince William labelled the former PM "a friend, an extraordinary advocate for the environment" in the social media post.

"Jacinda Ardern, it was a privilege to present you with this deserved award at Windsor today," the video caption said.

The former PM has gotten closer to the Prince of Wales in recent years through working together on his Earthshot Prize.

Ardern is also focusing on her post-political life, in part, on conservation efforts - especially in the areas of marine environments and Antarctica, she told the Press Association.

The mum-of-one also told the news agency she's writing a book, as well as teaching and "supporting others who want to practice empathetic leadership" and says she's "just trying to spread a little kindness in the world".

Ardern, the former Labour Party leader, stepped away from politics in early 2023 and married her long-time partner Clarke Gayford in 2024.

The couple are parents to daughter Neve, who was born while Ardern was serving as PM.

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