Actress Jane Lapotaire has been honoured with a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for her distinguished services to drama, in a ceremony held at Windsor Castle. The 81-year-old performer, renowned for her portrayal of Princess Alice in the acclaimed Netflix series The Crown, expressed deep gratitude and described the role as a significant privilege.
A Royal Recognition at Windsor Castle
The investiture ceremony was conducted by the King at Windsor Castle on Tuesday, where Ms Lapotaire was formally recognised for her extensive contributions to the dramatic arts. Reflecting on the honour, she shared her personal connection to the monarchy, noting a longstanding correspondence with the King that began after she played Catherine of Aragon for the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford.
Portraying an Extraordinary Figure
Speaking about her experience playing Princess Alice, the King's grandmother, Ms Lapotaire emphasised the character's remarkable life. "It was a privilege to play her," she stated. "She was an extraordinary woman who dedicated her entire existence to aiding the poor and sick. Notably, she was not affiliated with any convent but insisted on wearing a nun's outfit, showcasing her unique commitment."
Ms Lapotaire also revealed a poignant royal response to her performance, disclosing that "about two hours" after her episodes of The Crown aired, the then Prince William visited Princess Alice's grave in Israel, highlighting the series' impact on the royal family.
Other Distinguished Honourees
The ceremony also celebrated other notable figures, including Sir Andrew Mitchell, the former secretary of state for international development, who received a knighthood. He paid tribute to his constituents in Sutton Coldfield, humorously thanking them for "putting up with him" over a quarter of a century, and described the honour as belonging to them.
Advancing Women in Science
Additionally, astrophysicist Professor Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell was made a Companion of Honour for her services to astronomy, physics, and diversity. Dame Jocelyn spoke passionately about the need to encourage more women to enter the physical sciences, reflecting on her own experiences as one of few female undergraduates. "When I was an undergraduate, there were 49 men and me, which was pretty rough," she recalled. "Nowadays, women still form a minority, but progress is evident with about a third of classes being female. Women excel as scientists, and by showcasing their success and enjoyment in the field, we can normalise their participation in our culture."
This investiture ceremony not only honoured individual achievements but also underscored broader themes of dedication, service, and diversity across various fields, from drama to science.
