Jacinda Ardern

From Kiwi to Royalty: Jacinda Ardern is Now officially a Dame!

Guess who just leveled up from Prime Minister to Dame? Jacinda Ardern is now wearing that title with pride, thanks to a ceremony with Prince William!

In a dazzling ceremony at Windsor Castle, Jacinda Ardern, former Prime Minister of New Zealand, officially became a Dame, receiving the prestigious honor from none other than Prince William. Clad in a traditional Ngāti Rānana kākahu, Jacinda beamed with joy as she accepted the Damehood, expressing her aspirations to ‘spread a little kindness’ throughout her new role. This close encounter with royalty had her reflecting on the formidable journey from being the leader of a country to now being part of an exclusive club of dames, and fans have been ecstatic about her achievement!

The investiture took place under sunny skies, adding to the enchanting atmosphere of the historic Windsor Castle. Friends and family gathered to witness the momentous occasion, celebrating Jacinda’s numerous contributions to New Zealand and her role on the global stage. Not only was she the youngest female head of government in the world, but she also led the charge in compassionate responses to crises, including a mass shooting and the pandemic. Clearly, the royals recognize that Jacinda has marked her place in history with a unique blend of empathy and leadership.

However, this isn't just a shiny title; it comes with a hefty sprinkle of responsibilities. Ardern plans to utilize her new damehood as a platform for promoting kindness and compassion worldwide, which is something we can all resonate with. The world could do with a lot more kindness, especially in these trying times, and who better than Jacinda to lead the way? The symbolic weight of her Damehood serves as a reminder that leaders can make a difference by embodying values that transcend politics.

As Jacinda embarks on this new chapter, there’s more than meets the eye! Did you know that the title of Dame ranks equivalent to a Knight, and is an honorary title in the British honours system? It’s reserved for women who have made significant contributions in their field, and Jacinda has undoubtedly shown prowess in leadership. Not to mention, she's not the first Kiwi to be recognised in this way; many New Zealanders take immense pride in their influential figures making it to the royal honours list, including Sir Ernest Rutherford, the first man to split the atom! So here’s to Jacinda, the dame with the heart of gold, showing us all how to lead with kindness!