Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern honored as Dame Grand Companion by Prince William

Former

New Zealand

Prime Minister

Jacinda Ardern

was officially made a dame on Wednesday by

Prince William

in a ceremony at

Windsor Castle

. Ardern, who resigned from office in early 2023, was appointed a

Dame Grand Companion

of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her services to the state, as reported by Radio New Zealand.
Receiving her damehood was a "particularly special" moment, Ardern said, as she and Prince William had developed a close working relationship through the

Earthshot Prize

, of which she is a trustee.

"I feel incredibly honoured and very humbled," she shared, acknowledging her family, former colleagues, and New Zealanders who supported her.
In a social media post, Prince William called Ardern an "extraordinary advocate" and wrote, "It was a privilege to present you with this deserved award at Windsor today!"

Ardern rose to global prominence as one of the youngest leaders in New Zealand's history. She was celebrated for her empathetic leadership during the 2019

Christchurch mosque shootings

and the

COVID-19 pandemic

. Since stepping down, she has focused on conservation, writing and hoping to "spread a little kindness in the world."
Ardern offered advice to aspiring women in politics: "You have no idea what you're capable of until you’re doing it... so just do it."
She also discussed issues like online abuse and encouraged women not to be discouraged from taking on leadership roles. Ardern left office to spend more time with her family, but remains committed to causes like

marine conservation

and climate action.